New plans have been submitted to create a watersports and outdoor activity centre at a former quarry in Chelford.
Cheshire Lakes' plans for a cable wakeboard park, low ropes course, open water swimming, paddle sports, café, water sports shop, showers and changing facilities at the former Mere Farm sand quarry have endured a fairly unprecedented path through the planning process.
Having been considered on three separate occasions by the Strategic Planning Board, the application was first refused, then approved, then, finally refused again - which the company says was "following the threat of legal challenge by a local resident".
Tim Woodhead the Managing Director of Cheshire Lakes said "At each council meeting, the planning officers and most of the councillors accepted that this is a scheme of huge social, economic, leisure and tourism benefit; the refusal was based solely on the view of how the proposals might impact on birds visiting the site in the future. With this in mind, the new application includes some major ecological enhancements and even more mitigation to seek to overcome this perceived negative impact.
"Some of the key enhancements include the creation of two new islands on the South Lake which will hopefully become breeding grounds for birds like Little Ringed Plovers. The creation of two sand banks to hopefully keep Sand Martins breeding on site as the lake banks restoration changes from sand to wet woodland. There are a number of other mitigation and enhancements which Cheshire Lakes believe make the site a greater asset for small birds than the current agreed quarry restoration plan would do, including new hedgerows, wild flower meadows and reed beds.
"Manchester Airport have been fully consulted on the re-submission and have worked alongside Cheshire Lakes to create a detailed bird management plan that ensures large birds do not cause any added risk to the Manchester Airport flight zone."
The new application includes a Statement of Community Involvement to illustrate the level of support they have achieved over recent months through consultations with organisations, schools and local groups.
Tim Woodhead commented "The huge amount of local consultation we have done has shown massive support for our project. The general consensus from people we speak to, is that they can't believe the application has not yet been approved. We know the majority of the public want this amazing facility to be delivered so they can enjoy an in demand and much needed outdoor reaction and sporting facility in the Cheshire Countryside."
The revised application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 17/0510M . The last date for submitting comments is 2nd March 2017 and a decision is expected by 1st May 2017.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
What is the current use/attendance at Sale Water Park?
Might appeal to some, it does not 'float my boat' however.
Whilst I appreciate that there are people who want to use a sports waterpark - Sale is within easy access.
Not the best of locations next to M60 and it is too small, (restaurant was excellent).
I would prefer a green belt restoration for the quarry, with fly fishing for trout (will keep the insect life in check, so watersport visitors can leave with fewer bites. The sand martins won't eat them all).
Fly fishermen conserve and quietly protect the countryside, voluntarily and without fuss.
Difficult to see much wildlife thriving alongside all of the proposed water sports.
If they can and if a part of the lake can be dedicated to fly fishing (seen in USA), CEC should accept a plan that caters for folks who are interested in more than just watersports.