Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a planning application to build an electrical substation that will power a new hospital in Crewe.

The £1-1.5bn Leighton Hospital is included in the first wave of the Government's revised New Hospital Programme with construction expected to begin from 2027-28.

Land for the new hospital, which is north of the existing site, was purchased in March 2024.

The trust intends to submit the outline planning application for the new hospital this summer.

Russ Favager, board senior responsible officer, Leighton New Hospital Programme and Estates Redevelopment, said: ‘While this application is only a small part of the overall development of a new Leighton Hospital and a health and care neighbourhood, it's nonetheless very crucial, as there's currently no power to the site where we want to build the new hospital. 

‘It's therefore critical that we plan and undertake this type of infrastructure work now, ahead of beginning the construction of the new hospital. 

‘This development will be the biggest investment in this area for decades, which is why we're fully committed to keeping our communities and partners fully up-to-date with the progress at every stage.'