Plans for up to 29 holiday lodges at a marina site in Church Minshull, near Nantwich, have been unanimously approved with one councillor saying he 'doesn't see any negatives' to the scheme.

Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina Limited applied to change the use of agricultural land so the lodges and a manager's cabin can be provided on the site, which is on the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

The site is located within the open countryside where planning policy dictates that only development which is essential for agriculture, forestry, outdoor recreation, public infrastructure, or for other uses appropriate to a rural area will be permitted.

The scheme will see 29 high-quality self-catering holiday lodges constructed at Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina, with an additional manager's lodge (Google).

On Wednesday (April 2), the applicant's agent, Sophie Ray, told Cheshire East's southern planning committee: "The marina is a well established rural business opened in 2009 and it currently employs 35 people.

"The business is now at a point where it's looking to expand on the facilities available and cater to a wider market of holiday makers to remain a viable and competitive entity within the local tourism market to help drive local economic growth.

"The scheme seeks consent for 29 high-quality self-catering holiday lodges with an additional manager's lodge.

"The lodges provide a rural staycation escape for visitors all year round."

She said there was an identified need for this in the tourism market in Cheshire East.

Cllr John Wray (Brereton, Conservative), said: "I don't see any negatives to it. I would like to simply propose approval as per the officer's report."

Cllr Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Conservative), seconded the approval.

Cllr John Wray (Brereton Rural, Conservative) (CEC).

"Anything that improves the rural economy or the visitor economy of Cheshire East should be looked upon favourably," said Cllr Kolker.

"It's certainly an appropriate location. It's next to an existing business, which is also in an appropriate location.

"I think it's an appropriate development where it is, should be encouraged, it's increasing our visitor economy so I'm very happy to second it."

The application was approved unanimously.

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