SELECT PROPERTY GROUP APPLICATION APPROVED

I can confirm that planning application 18/1591M for the extension of existing offices, creation of 60 additional parking spaces and landscaping at the former Horseshoe Farm, has been approved today at Northern Planning Committee. I asked for the application to be considered by the committee, due to the development being sited within the green belt and following a recommendation of REFUSAL by the planning officer. Whilst I sympathised with the officer's position, whose job is to apply Cheshire East Council Policy, I also felt that the policy was designed to protect and defend and that in this very specific case it neither protected local jobs, nor defended the amenity for local residents.

Whilst it goes against my principles to support inappropriate development within the green belt, successive planning applications granted on this site since 2012, had already fundamentally changed its character from that of a former farm and shop. Select Property Group have thrived on this site and already employ within the region of 130 members of staff, whilst Cheshire East Council's Parking Standards suggest that only 58 parking spaces are necessary to accommodate this number of staff, with others expected to walk, cycle or use public transport to travel to work. I agreed with the applicant, local residents and Parish Councillors, all of whom felt that this was unrealistic.

Proposing the application for approval (against officer recommendation), fellow members of Northern Planning Committee agreed with me by 6 votes to 3 (with 3 further abstentions) that very special circumstances existed in the form of the contribution of the business to the local economy, the dire need for additional parking, improvement of the amenity for nearby residents on Horseshoe Lane and the proposal's respect for the existing character and appearance of the area. As a result of the application's approval, a number of highway improvement measures (attached) will also be introduced by the applicant, which have been secured by planning condition.

In addition, the applicant has confirmed that the new 60-space car park will be available to support community events (e.g. the May Fair) that take place during weekends.