A VIADUCT will be built over the M6 at Mere if HS2 goes ahead, with portions of the Cheshire Showground and a nearby golf club forming part of the tracks.

A new environmental statement published by HS2 Ltd, the company behind the high-speed rail project, showed that Pickmere roads would be permanently diverted with traffic set to impact the A50, A556 and A56.

Around 10 per cent of land at both the Cheshire Showground and Heyrose Golf Club would also be lost during construction and operation of the Phase 2b route.

The ES added: "Operation of the proposed scheme is expected to result in permanent loss of parking spaces at Mere Court Hotel and Conference Centre."

The project, estimated at a cost of tens of billions of pounds, has plans to pass through the area en route to Manchester Piccadilly within the next 15 years.

Announcing a public consultation on the statement, HS2 Ltd. said the route would bring ‘significant benefits’ to Cheshire itself, while also cutting travel times between the north and London.

A spokesman for HS2 said: “HS2 will deliver major benefits to the Cheshire region and is already becoming integral to local plans to drive business growth, create jobs and secure investment years before it arrives.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dramatically improve journeys between the midlands and the north, and London, boosting capacity, improving connectivity and helping to rebalance the national economy.

“We are committed to being a good neighbour and working with communities. As the design progresses we are working hard to minimise any impacts and overcome any technical issues, while also ensuring value for the taxpayer.”