Councillors unanimously have given the green light to the detailed plans for the Mersey Gateway Project.

Halton Borough Council's Development Control Committee referred three applications that will allow the project to proceed to the Secretary of State without objection. It also endorsed the content of the Transport and Works Act (TWA) application submitted to the Department for Transport in the same way.

In a special hearing dedicated to the Mersey Gateway Project, the committee considered two planning applications outlining major alterations to the road network in Runcorn and Widnes and an application for listed building consent to change the traffic flow and road layout on the Silver Jubilee Bridge once the Mersey Gateway bridge has been built.

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Cllr Tony McDermott, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Executive Board, said: "This is a major milestone for the project and keeps us on track to deliver a new crossing that will be a catalyst for delivering major changes and improvements for the future of Halton and the surrounding region. We will continue to work closely with local people and all our partners to ensure we deliver a project that brings the maximum possible benefits to the region."

David Parr, Chief Executive of Halton Borough Council, said: "The whole region is looking for this project to bring major benefits to the area as it will improve access and open up new areas for investment. This is an exciting time for the region as this project, combined with plans for the region's ports and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, will bring substantial new opportunities to the north west."

(CD/JM)