Pallet Manufacturer Embraces Green Technology for Major Expansion
A prominent Ellesmere Port pallet manufacturer is pushing forward with significant expansion plans that include introducing greener technology, after receiving formal approval from Cheshire West and Chester planners. Scott Pallets, located on Cromwell Road, will install a new drying kiln alongside a biomass boiler system, marking a substantial shift towards more sustainable operations.
Details of the Approved Development
The approved application, granted on 12 November 2025, covers the installation of an additional drying kiln with an oil boiler and flue, a new biomass boiler with its own flue and plant room, a wood chipper, and a storage silo. The project also involves relocating the site's existing drying kiln. According to the planning documents, the company's sole existing kiln is currently heated by an oil boiler.
The new biomass boiler will be fuelled by wood chips produced on-site, a by-product of the pallet manufacturing process. This strategic move is highlighted as a key environmental benefit. The application stated that this approach saves on transport miles that would have been required for the disposal of the woodchip, avoids the use of heating oil and its associated regular delivery miles, and burns a fuel that is considered almost carbon neutral.
The proposed drying kiln will stand 5.2 metres high, similar in size to the existing one. The new boiler house will be approximately 3.6 metres in height and will feature a 11.7-metre-high stainless steel flue.
Balancing Growth with Community Concerns
The expansion is driven by growing demand for the company's products, but it was approved against a backdrop of local objections. A council officer's report noted that recent years have seen 'significant levels' of new residential development to the west, north, and south of the industrial site. The location is also immediately adjacent to the Chester Canal Conservation Area and the locally listed Billet Arm.
A total of 10 letters of objection were submitted by residents, who raised concerns about potential increases in noise, air pollution, smells, dust, traffic, and a possible decrease in property values.
The council report acknowledged the conflict, stating: "It is recognised that the site is surrounded by residential properties... and there is some conflict between the residential use and commercial use of the site." However, it recommended approval, noting that the residential properties were built more recently and that the industrial site has been well-established for many years. The report concluded that the proposal aligns with the existing use and would be situated in the part of the site furthest from any homes.
With the plans now officially approved, Scott Pallets is set to enhance its production capacity while integrating a more sustainable, circular economy model into its core operations.
