Plans have been submitted to install new infrastructure for electric vehicles at a Runcorn pub, with the aim of making it a 'flagship' charging hub in the UK.

Osprey Charging Network has put in a planning application for a substation at Ten Lock Flight, as well as a high powered rapid charging hub with eight charging points for electric vehicles (EVs).

The plans also include extending the car park on Crossville Way to add an additional eight parking bays specifically for the additional electric vehicles. The new charging infrastructure will be 2.3 metres high, with project planners saying it will have a ‘minimal’ visual impact on the local area.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the plans, said: “It is our intention to make Ten Lock Flight pub one of our flagship hub sites in the UK, which will create a huge buzz and PR focus in the area.”

It added: “The proposed development is of a small scale, especially when compared to the existing development in the area.”

While electric vehicles currently only account for 2.9 per cent of the vehicles on UK roads, that number is expected d to rise to more than 30 per cent by 2030.

Osprey Charging Network has already completed more than 2010 sites around Britain. And in a covering letter, the company added: “Osprey Charging Network already has a single 50kW charge point within the carpark which is extremely well used.

"We are proposing this development to ensure that we are able to continue to serve the needs of the local residents and visitors to the area.”