RETROSPECTIVE approval was sought for six cooling towers at Stanlow.
The towers were proposed by Shell UK, Oil Sites Road, to replace aged towers nearby, planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council were told.
The complex is now controlled and owned by Essar Oil.
The application included a new access road and footpath to serve the 14.5-metre-high towers.
No objections were raised by environmental protection officers at the borough council or by the Health and Safety Executive.
The Environment Agency had no objections in principle but pointed out there was a ‘high probability’ of flooding.
Planning officers suggested the agency had taken a practical approach in view of the nature of the development and the fact it would replace existing plant.
The towers could not be located elsewhere on the site and their location was less vulnerable.
The application was recommended for approval subject to note being taken of the Environment Agency advice.
The borough council agreed the replacement towers could have permission.
