Cheshire East has given a temporary 10-year permission for an annual Christmas experience at Capesthorne Hall which will create 1,200 seasonal jobs and boost the local economy.

The strategic planning board heard today (January 29) from Alison Battle, co-founder of Lapland UK, that since 2007 Lapland UK has delivered its 'magical family experience to over a million visitors' at its Ascot facility.

Mrs Battle said: "Lapland UK can be a transformative addition to Cheshire East, creating an annual world class family experience that will generate significant economic benefits for the local area, including the creation of 1,200 seasonal jobs during the quieter winter months for local people, as well as partnerships with local businesses and suppliers.

"In summary, Lapland UK represents an exciting opportunity for Cheshire East.

"It brings cultural and economic benefits, while respecting the heritage and environmental sensitivity of Capesthorne Hall."

Three councillors raised concerns about the traffic impact on the A34 near the historic hall at Siddington, near Macclesfield.

Highways officer Neil Jones said he had no objections because the traffic would not queue back on to the road because the hall's drive was lengthy and visitor arrivals were staggered.

Councillors were also told a shuttle service would be available from Macclesfield Station for both staff and visitors.

Cllr Lesley Smetham (Con) said: "It sounds like a good thing to have locally.

"The parish council are not objecting at all, and I think that's always a benefit to know that the local people on the spot have got confidence in what's proposed."

She proposed the application be approved as per the planning officer's recommendation.

This was seconded by Cllr Hannah Moss (Mobberley, Ind) who told the meeting she had been to the Ascot site as a visitor.

"I personally feel it would be a huge asset to Cheshire East and will bring footfall from far and wide," she said.

"It brings people from all over the country, which I think will benefit shops, the B&Bs, the hospitality venues, hotels, etc, in all of our towns and villages."

But Cllr Stewart Gardiner (Con) said he could not support the application.

"This is a site in the green belt where there is a presumption against the building of structures, temporary or otherwise, that are not for the essential needs of agriculture and outdoor recreation," said the Knutsford councillor.

He said whatever the economic benefits would be to the borough, he wasn't convinced they outweighed the harm to green belt and the setting of the grade two listed building.

Committee chair Brian Puddicombe (Macclesfield, Lab) said: "From a point of view of the employment and economic advantages, I think we should welcome them and I would suggest that, in my opinion, the very special circumstances do exist that outweigh the harm to the green belt and heritage assets."

The report to the committee stated the event, beginning from winter 2025/26, will be held annually for 50 days from the start of November until Christmas Eve up to 2035/36.

Eight councillors voted in favour of the application, two voted against and one abstained.