Committee makes a u-turn on plans for watersports centre

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee have overturned their earlier decision and approved plans for a water sports and outdoor activity centre in Chelford.

Last month they voted to reject Cheshire Lakes' proposal for a cable wakeboard park, low ropes course, open water swimming, paddle sports, café, watersports shop, showers and changing facilities at the former Mere Farm sand quarry.

The proposal was recommended for refusal by the planning officer because he felt that the biodiversity would suffer as a result of the proposals and in particular the birdlife at the site.

At the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, 27th July, five members voted to refuse the application whilst four voted to approve it and one member abstained.

However, due to an administrative error the application was considered without the applicant or supporters of the proposal being given the opportunity to speak. As a result the decision notice from the Stragetic Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, 27th July, was not issued and the application was reconsidered at their meeting today (24th August).

Tim Woodhead, Managing Director of Cheshire Lakes, explained "Due to a delayed consultation by the council with Manchester Airport, we ended up receiving an objection from Manchester Airport the day before the planning board! Our planning consultants asked the council if we could be withdrawn from the agenda and the Council agreed.

"We had actually not been withdrawn from the planning board and there was an administrative error on the Council's behalf. Our case was actually heard without the applicant or applicant's supports speaking."

Once the Council was informed of the mistake, they apologised for their administrative error and did not issue the decision notice.

The committee were still divided over the proposal on Wednesday, 24th August, with five voting for and five against so the Chairman Harold Davenport had the casting vote. He voted in favour and therefore the application was approved by a single vote.

Tim Woodhead, Managing Director of Cheshire Lakes, commented "We are very happy that Cheshire East granted us planning, the big difference to last month was that a: the Manchester Airport objection was over turned and b: myself and our supports had the opportunity to speak and explain all the amazing benefits of our proposal. We now look forward to delivering an incredible facility which will boost recreation, leisure, sport and tourism in Cheshire East."

Jonathan Vose, Director of Walsingham Planning, said "The Officer's Report acknowledged that the scheme would have huge economic and social benefits, but it was the view of the Council's Ecology Officer that the ecological impacts of the scheme would be 'significant'. We liaised with the Airport, who agreed to remove their objection to the proposals, and submitted an ecological mitigation plan to seek to protect valued species as part of the development scheme.

"Members agreed that the scheme would be a huge asset to Cheshire East, and that the ecological mitigation measures proposed by the Applicant were sufficient to address their concerns."

The scheme, which will create 30 jobs, also includes a new entrance, parking for 100 vehicles and a single-storey multi-use building which will provide a reception, small kitchen; indoor seating; staff office, toilets and changing rooms as well as a kit room and plant room.

The intention is to have the site fully operational in Spring 2017.

The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 16/1353M.

Tags:

Cheshire Lakes, Planning Applications