An annual Christmas experience is to set be be held at Capesthorne Hall.
Permission has been granted to Lapland UK to operate a second site at the a Grade II* listed building for ten years, commencing November 2025.
At a meeting of the Strategic Planning Board last week, Alison Battle, co-founder Lapland UK, said "Lapland UK will be a transformation addition to Cheshire East creating a world class familoy experience that will generate significant economic benefits for the local area including the creation of 12000 seasonal jobs during the quieter winter months for local people as well as partnerships with local businesses and suppliers."
The Planning Officer deemed the proposals to represent inappropriate development in the Green Belt and would also result in less than substantial harm to the setting of a Grade II* heritage asset.
However, the Planning Officer recommended the planning application for approval concluding the significant economic and social benefits of the scheme through inward investment, job creation and the boost to the local economy from the influx of tourists to the area, are deemed sufficient to outweigh the harm identified.
Ward councillor for Gawsworth Lesley Smetham (Conservative) proposed approval of the plans saying "It all sounds very positive. It sounds like a good thing to have locally."
Adding "The Parish Council are not objecting at all and I think it's always a benefit to know the local people on the spot have got confidence in what's proposed. It all sounds lovely."
Labour councillor Heather Seddon (Congleton West) said "I also think it sounds fantastic. It is going to benefit the local economy. Lots of opportunities for part-time working. We do have a slight concern about the traffic but I am sure it can be overcome."
Independent councillor Hannah Moss (Mobberley) seconded the proposal. She said "Having actually visited the Ascot site as a visitor I have actually lived the experience I personally feel it will be a huge asset to Cheshire East and will bring footfall from far and wide.
"It brings people from all over the country which I think will benefit the shops, B&Bs and hospitality venues, hotels etc in all of our towns and villages that people will people will make a short break of the experience if you're not local."
Conservative councillor Stewart Gardiner (Knutsford) said "I am not grinch" but was not "convinced that the proposal is acceptable".
He added "Whatever the economic benefits that there are I am not convinced that they outweigh the potential harm to both the Green Belt and to the setting of the Grade II* Listed Building.
"The massive car park at the front will clearly impact views from outside the site of the hall. The large structures that will be constructed within the site are going to be there from some time in October until late January. That four month period will have significant impact on the underground land on which they are located to the detriment of those grassed areas."
"It is contrary to Green Belt policy and I not supporting it."
Members of the Strategic Planning Board approval the plans by eight votes to two.
Lapland UK will hold the event annually for just over 7 weeks (50 days) from the start of November, until Christmas Eve.
The experience would be open daily between 7:30am and 10:30pm with guests pre-booking onto a tour. There will be no fun fair rides, live music performances or light displays.
Free parking would be provided on the site with a shuttle service made available from Macclesfield Station for both staff and visitors.
