The old gasworks could be demolished to make the area safe and clear the way for new development.

National Grid has submitted a planning application to dismantle the two redundant gasholders, pipework and brick buildings at the former gasworks at Black Lane in Macclesfield.

The structures - large containers which stored natural gas - are no longer needed as gas is now stored within the main gas system.

The looming gasholders have become a familiar landmark on the edge of the town centre at Hurdsfield but are no longer of use and pose a safety risk. They are also an expensive burden to National Grid, which manages the supply of gas to homes.

The company proposes a careful dismantling of the structures over around 25 weeks, followed by works to restore the land which is earmarked as a site for employment uses in the current Local Plan. The new Local Plan, which plans where homes and infrastructure will be built until 2030, is yet to be signed off, but again contains the gasworks as an employment site.

Officers for National Grid say there are no alternative options for the gasholders and the dismantling is the first step towards regenerating the site for future uses.

All equipment to be dismantled has been disconnected from the gas network to allow it to be removed safely.

Keith Smith, from Macclesfield Civic Society, said: “The site contains some of the last remaining features of the once extensive gas works developed by Macclesfield Corporation in the 19th century.

“The two gas holders are an accepted part of the local landscape but it is accepted that they have no significant architectural or historic interest as engineering structures.

“Now redundant their removal would lift some constraints on development in the locality. The details of remediation work appear satisfactory. We have reservations, however, that the most suitable after-use would be for commercial purposes given the character of adjoining land uses to the south, east and north east. There are also other proposals for non-commercial uses in this locality.”

The site is bordered by housing at Hurdsfield, a large vacant factory complex, the River Bollin and a large Tesco store and petrol filling station.

Planning officers are expected to make a decision whether to approve the application by July 5.