Plans to create a watersports and outdoor activity centre at a former quarry in Chelford were Planning considered by the Strategic Planning Board for the fourth time this week.
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 refused again because they considered it would have a detrimental impact on biodiversity at the site and in particular on the birdlife.
Cheshire Lakes' subsequently submitted a revised application which includes some ecological enhancements and more mitigation to seek to overcome the perceived negative impact.
The planning officer recommended that the revised plans be approved at the Strategic Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, 24th May, subject to a Section 106 agreement, however committee members voted to refuse the application by 6 votes to 5.
Tim Woodhead, Managing Director of Cheshire Lakes, said "This was despite being recommended for approval by the Cheshire East planning experts, having no objection from the RSBP, no objection from Manchester Airport and having over 90% of all our feedback from Cheshire East being positive including the local ward councillor! There was simply no legitimate reason to refuse the application.
"As Cheshire residents we are utterly appalled at the way this application has been handled and decided upon. They ignored the evidence in front of them, ignored their officers advice and ignored the views of the local communities they represent."
Tim added "Onwards and upwards though. We have already appealed the rejection from 2016, and we are hoping this appeal will be heard in summer. Thankfully the appeal will be heard by an independent inspector and not the voluntary and out of touch members of the Cheshire East Strategic Planning Committee, many of whom really need to retire ASAP. They are completely out of touch with the general public they represent, they completely dismissed all our amazing public consultation results and the huge number of formal public comments left on the planning portal. Some of the comments made by the voting members were simply outrageous and not remotely based on facts or evidence.
"If you are one of the many Cheshire East residents who left positive feedback, you should be utterly appalled at how little weight they gave your opinion. What is even more sad is how little effort the case officer and planning department gave to try and back up their expert advise in recommending our approval. I don't think they even listed one of our many benefits!
"We now focus everything on the appeal and will not be giving up any time soon!"
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
I hope the Planning Officer sees some sense as well. Truly shocking.
He sights the local councillor as being in favour. Tim George Walton has voted, for some reason, AGAINST Chelford Parish Council who are representative of the residents of Chelford.
To claim there will be no disturbance is ridiculous, as is claiming there will be no noise. Ever been to a beach, a swimming pool? People have fun yes but in doing so do make a lot of noise.
Why build a car park for a hundred cars. The coming and going of these in itself will be noisy let alone the shear volume of these people's colleagues, friends, relatives wandering around the local perimeter path etc
Say 3 people a car at least, thats 300 souls every couple of hours or so.
There will be meets and events with speakers and probably fan fares etc.
Tim claims it will help the local economy - doubt it to any great extent.
Why it is he / his company who will own the shop, the cafe etc. There is no need for people to leave the site.
The site was previously agricultural land. It was promised to be returned, as best it could be, to lakes and countryside. This promise is being broken.
A nearby landlord has done this whilst the landlord of this proposed area is, I suspect, mainly motivated just out to make money from a lease, asof course is Tim.and or his backers.
I've been in favour of this since day one. We need something for local residents to do especially kids and especially somewhere where they can be active. This isn't some pristine environment... it's a former quarry. One that has had hundreds of massive trucks rumbling in and out of for years... Scaring the landscape clogging the roads up and one of numerous quarries that have destroyed local land, cut off roads and now finally local residents were about to get something back for suffering this noise and mess. Not like Lapwing Lake which promised a place to walk and relax and has since been closed but a permanent place for us to enjoy.
If local "NIMBYs" want something to complain about why not complain about the numerous car boots, new housing, quarrying of the landscape or anything else that affects the village and brings no benefits to locals (other than a small elite of landowners many are so eager to suck up to) or maybe just explain to me which local former quarry I can visit for recreational purposes...
It is an ugly disused quarry and as one who works in the Fitness industry (with children) centred near Chelford it is a fantastic opportunity to help improve the health of our youngsters and getting them outdoors. Far better the site be used as such than turn into a Holiday Park or assiciated development site (locals objecting to these would probably be snookered into accepting this anyway). Speak to the man trying to deliver this and try to work to an accomadation. We are fortunate indeed in our area to have a plethora of great birdwatching sites and "Hides" . There is room for all, so good luck to Tim let us hope that common sense prevails.
It's a real shame in my view, that the minority who don't want it can't see a way to embrace it. It's certainly got a lot more to offer for the locals than loads more houses, as has been shown by the majority support for it in the local area. It's been clearly stated by necessary parties that the wildlife and environmental impact are minimal but the social and economic benefits are significant.
Some people seem to think that it's a tranquil area, well after decades of living at that site I can tell you the traffic makes infinitely more noise than that water park ever would. A peaceful Sunday afternoon? Trackside at Oulton Park more like!
Countryside it is, productive agricultural land it never will be again. Something a bit special for the local people and their economy, maybe it should be?