PLANS have been lodged to relocate a proposed £31m science and research facility to Thornton Science Park near Ellesmere Port.

Back in August, The Standard reported that a planning application was being prepared by The UK Geoenergy Observatory project team for its "world class" Cheshire Observatory.

Planning consent was originally granted for the development to be sited at Ince Marshes.

However, ground investigation work revealed challenging subsurface conditions that would have led to drilling difficulties and significant cost increases, including soft ground to a greater depth than originally anticipated, deeper bedrock than expected and a rest water level in the bedrock aquifer above ground level.

As a result, a planning application has now been submitted to relocate to Thornton Science Park with a proposal for 21 boreholes up to 100m deep and associated infrastructure above ground.

If the scheme, totalling £31m of investment, is given the go-ahead then onstruction will be complete in 2023.

Dr Rachel Dearden, project manager at the British Geological Survey for the UK Geoenergy Observatories, said: "The Cheshire Observatory will be a world-class science and research facility for science and innovators working in subsurface energy storage.

"The site at Thornton Science Park is a suitable site for geothermal research because the sandstone bedrock of interest is located close to the ground surface.

"Additionally, the region is already an important hub for sustainable energy research, which opens the door to collaboration and partnerships with researchers and industry."

The Cheshire Observatory will provide real-time insight into how the subsurface responds to energy transfer and storage.

Scientists from all over the world be able to use its data, which will be open to everyone via its online portal.

It is one of two new observatories. The other, in Glasgow, is already operational and providing data for scientists.

Dr Dearden added: "The Cheshire Observatory will provide researchers with at-scale test facilities that can be used to optimise the design and operation of subsurface energy storage systems.

"These systems are an important and growing component of the UK’s heating and cooling demand.

"The Glasgow Observatory, which is equipped to investigate thermal storage in former mine workings, is already delivering these benefits for researchers and partners across the UK."