Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) has submitted plans to build an electrical substation on land in Crewe, helping to power the new £1bn hospital site.

The proposed substation, off Flowers Lane, will provide power to the site of the planned new hospital, located to the north of the existing Leighton Hospital. The Trust purchased this land last year.  

Included in the planning application is a 32 square-metre building, measuring approximately 10 metres by 4.3 metres and up to 3.2 metres high, housing the substation.   

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's programme, known as Healthier Futures, manages the development of a £1bn health and care neighbourhood development (MCHFT).

The proposed work will also include a lay-by from Flowers Lane to allow vehicle access to the substation, as well as the removal of some existing hedgerow.

Around 50 metres of replacement native hedgerow will be planted to offset what is removed. The existing trees on Flowers Lane will be retained. 

This application is separate from the main new hospital planning application. The Trust intends to submit this outline planning application this summer.

Prior to this submission, the Trust will host a series of engagement sessions allowing people to give their feedback. Full details about these sessions will be announced in due course.   

Board senior responsible officer of Leighton New Hospital Programme and Estates Redevelopment, Russ Favager, said: "While this application is only a small part of the overall development of a new Leighton Hospital and a health and care neighbourhood, it is nonetheless very crucial, as there is currently no power to the site where we want to build the new hospital.  

"It is therefore critical that we plan and undertake this type of infrastructure work now, ahead of beginning the construction of the new hospital. 

The proposed substation, off Flowers Lane, will provide power to the site of the planned new hospital, located to the north of the existing Leighton Hospital. MCHFT purchased this land last year (Ryan Parker).

"This development will be the biggest investment in this area for decades, which is why we're fully committed to keeping our communities and partners fully up-to-date with the progress at every stage."  

Visit the Healthier Futures microsite for further details about the programme and to provide feedback. 

READ MORE: Investigation 'launched' following two Crewe car fires in quick succession.

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