An independent family run business which has been operating in Morley Green for almost 30 years has submitted plans to enable them to overcome some of the challenges the current site faces
The Ward family who own and operate The Cheshire Smokehouse, which is located within the Green Belt on Morley Green Road, are planning some changes to their site layout and buildings. Their proposals include refreshing the shop, bring back a fully accessible cafe and creating a new food production building.
The existing food production buildings are converted former abattoir buildings that have served the business since 1992. Evolving modern food hygiene regulations, including guidance relating to contamination by nuts, mean that the former abattoir building creates significant daily challenges.
A café had been previously operated on the first floor mezzanine above the shop, but unfortunately this was closed in 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic (being a particularly confined space) and the difficulties in achieving disabled access.
The development comprises:
- Demolition of the existing food production building, and removal of the former riding area;
- Construction of a new fit-for-purpose food production building, including a new café on the ground and mezzanine level with an external seating area;
- Reconfiguration of the existing site including re-designed landscaped parking area increasing the number of spaces from 57 to 76;
- A dedicated vehicular service area and turning space has been created at the western boundary of the site. this enables service vehicles, HGV's and all delivery to manoeuvre safely away from pedestrian and customer access;
- A small extension and reconfiguration of the existing retail building, comprising a new entrance, display windows and an updated butchery.
The delivery of the proposed development will be managed to ensure that the business can continue to operate during the construction period and as a result, the proposed new building will be constructed prior to the demolition of the existing food production facility.
The Cheshire Smokehouse currently employs 30 full time and 6 part time members of staff, but this could increase to a further 6 full time and 6 part time if another café was opened. The proposed opening hours will remain unchanged.
The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 22/5013M.
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