Cheshire East has assured residents it will look into various options before making a decision on appropriate safety works at Poynton Pool, the high-risk reservoir which 'failed its MOT'.

Poynton Pool is classed as a large high-risk reservoir, which means an uncontrolled release of water could endanger human life.

The council, as landowner, has a legal obligation to carry out works to ensure the reservoir is safe after a flood study revealed it does not meet the current safety standards and effectively 'failed its MOT'. If it doesn't it could be prosecuted.

But local residents have objected to the proposals put forward so far because of the environmental impact, including the loss of trees.

Four residents spoke at Tuesday's meeting of Cheshire East's economy and growth committee and questioned aspects of the engineer's flood study, with one suggesting an alternative, more environmentally friendly option – which Peter Skates, director of growth and enterprise, agreed to look into.

Cllr Nick Mannion, the former chair of the committee, told the meeting: "I received more than 100 emails from local residents and my response was we are required under the Reservoir Act to carry out this work. If we don't do it will be done in default and we will be sent the bill.

"My understanding is, whatever comes to the council's planning committee, will deliver what is required with the minimum of environmental impact possible."

Andy Kehoe, head of estates, said: "I'm pretty confident that we've got a good solution, I'm pretty confident that we've managed to do mitigations and pretty confident that we have something which is sufficiently robust to be tested at planning."

He said it was hoped to get the application to the planning department  in the first two weeks of July, then councillors and residents can scrutinise the information and give feedback as part of the consultation exercise.

Cllr Janet Clowes (Wybunbury, Con) asked whether a suggestion put forward by a resident earlier in the meeting had been looked at.

Mr Skates said he was meeting the Friends of Poynton Pool later this week to discuss detailed questions and that matters raised would be explored with the appropriate engineers.

He stressed the planning committee is the decision maker but added: "We're happy to continue to engage before we finally commit."

Committee chair Mark Goldsmith (Wilmslow, Ind) told the meeting: "This is an ongoing project, this is not a fait accompli. We are happy to discuss this with interested parties… to ensure that we get the best option that both ensures we have the safety of the dam and we keep as much of the environment as is possible and minimise any damage to that.

"We want to ensure it remains as lovely as possible but we do have an obligation to make sure it's safe as well."

He said the final decision would be made by the planning committee which was why this committee was just being asked to note the recommendations.

Councillors noted that the director of growth and regeneration will consider whether to submit planning applications related to the scheme and that a virement for £780,000 will be considered by the finance director and relevant committee chairs.

This is on top of the £600,000 set aside for this project as part of estates service budget – bringing the total cost to £1.38m.

Cllr Chris O'Leary (Sutton, Con) asked it be recorded that he voted against noting the recommendations.