Cheshire East zoo approved but further hurdle may await
Despite the authority’s southern planning committee approving a wildlife park in Holmes Chapel, the proposals may still be sent to the council’s strategic planning board for a final decision.
Zoo2U, the company behind the proposal, says it has outgrown its previous premises at Hall Farm in Alsager, where it offered on-site educational animal experiences with meerkats, skunks, and reptiles.
The company wants to relocate to a site to complement an ongoing farm diversification development and broaden its wildlife conservation activities.
Cheshire East Council’s southern planning committee unanimously approved the plans for the visitor centre and several animal enclosures at a three-acre site at Orchards Farm, off Twemlow Lane in Holmes Chapel.
The committee’s decision went against the recommendations of planning officers who had suggested refusal on the grounds the zoo would infringe on the countryside and impact its character and appearance.
Councillors felt the potential positives outweighed any harm to the countryside, but officers said the approval was contrary to policy and depending on legal advice could still be referred up to Cheshire East’s strategic planning board to make the final call.
Buildings at the site would be single-storey and the majority apart from the reception areas would be enclosed by 1.8m timber security fencing. Zoo2U would also need a zoo licence to operate the venue.
The project team features Richard Lee Project Planning, Danial Matthias Architecture, Anser Ecology, and Professional Consult.
To view the plans, search for reference number 24/1108C on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.
Alsager homes
Councillors did follow recommendations to refuse plans from Plus Dane Housing for 68 homes off Linley Road in Alsager.
All homes on the six-acre site would have been made available for affordable rent or shared ownership.
A mix of four one-bed flats, 36 two-bed properties of which seven would be flats, 23 three-bed dwellings, and five four-bed houses was planned.
But planning chiefs recommended refusal due to lack of contribution towards health, education, and highway improvements, insufficient private amenity space proposed, poor design and layout, and lack of suitable property mix types.
Cheshire East Council’s southern planning committee followed those recommendations and refused the plans.
The project team featured Levitt Bernstein, Rachel Hacking Ecology, Sutcliffe, and Jon Coe Tree AIA.
To view these plans, search for reference number 23/2129C on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.
