The new waste station would only be developed if SITA UK and its partner, Sembcorp which runs the North East site, win the contract with MWDA.

The Kirkby site would operate from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and it is estimated 130 lorries carrying waste would visit the station each day.

SITA said initial transport assessments indicate that traffic levels “will be very close to current levels”.

As part of the formal planning process, SITA UK has submitted a request to Knowsley council’s development control team for a screening opinion.

This seeks to clarify the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment and to agree the topics which the planning application will cover.

Corrina Scott-Roy, planning manager at SITA UK, said: “This is the first stage of the planning process and over the coming weeks we will be seeking feedback from the local community as we develop the application.

“If we are successful in securing the contract to deal with Merseyside’s residual household waste, the transfer loading station will enable us to reduce the number of HGVs needed to transport this waste by making use of the existing rail link on the site.”

Potter Group’s managing director Matthew Lamb said the plan would also allow the firm to expand its Kirkby operation.

“While SITA would take operational control of the existing facility, we would redevelop an adjacent site and transfer our operations and jobs there. We look forward to playing our part in helping SITA provide a long-term and responsible solution to the management of municipal waste in the region.”

The existing buildings on the site will be used with minimal further construction work required. An on-site visitor centre is also proposed to support waste and sustainability education programmes in the region.

SITA will announce details of consultation events shortly.