Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for a garden centre at Henbury to be redeveloped to provide 14 homes and a new commercial unit to house the existing business.

Ward councillor Lesley Smetham (Con) told the northern planning committee on Wednesday that Henbury already struggled with major infrastructure problems, these included flooding and issues with the electricity supply.

She feared the redevelopment of the Flora Garden Centre site on Chelford Road would exacerbate the problem unless the matters were resolved first.

But officers told her issues such as electricity supply were not a matter for planners.

The garden centre has served Henbury - and Macclesfield - for over 74 years. It also has a tearoom and celebration cake maker located inside. (Image - Flora Home Furnishings)

"Henbury is certainly under a lot of pressure at the moment. They really do deserve some attention to these difficulties that are happening," said Cllr Smetham.

The Gawsworth councillor also listed a number of her concerns about the proposed development.

"As to the site itself, the parking doesn't seem to be sufficient for what's proposed," she said.

"A number of services are said to be nearby but, from my knowledge, that seems rather wishful thinking. There is a pub and a bus stop, but the bus service is very sparse on occasions.

Councillors Lesley Smetham and Liz Braithwaite. (Image - Cheshire East Council)

"And the plots themselves – I was shocked to see plots one to three actually adjacent to the roadside. These are affordable houses directly onto the road. I think it's quite shocking – so they will be subject to vehicle pollution."

She added the site also appeared to be 'crammed in' and 'it's a pity there are so many properties there'.

Cllr Liz Braithwaite (Macclesfield Central, Lab) said she shared Cllr Smetham's concerns about the location of the affordable housing.

Neighbouring ward councillor Nick Mannion (Macclesfield West and Ivy, Lab) said he liked the scheme.

Cllr Nick Mannion spoke of his fondness for the plans. (Image - Cheshire East Council)

"This is a re-use of a very run-down previously used site, yes within the Green Belt, but what's reassuring is it doesn't try and use the whole of the site, it's quite innovative in its design," he said.

With regard to Cllr Smetham's comments about the properties fronting on to Chelford Road, Cllr Mannion said: "They're broadly similar to the existing Georgian properties that front on to Chelford Road between the scheme and the junction of Pepper Street."

He added: "I think this is a good scheme. I think it's a sympathetic scheme to the environment."

He said it would have a small positive impact on the nearby Blacksmith Arms pub, at a time when all licensed premises were struggling.

The pre-existing commercial building also contains a tearoom and celebration cake business. (Image - Courtneys Cakes)

He proposed the committee support the officer's recommendation to delegate back to the head of planning and the committee chair to approve, subject to the number of affordable homes on site being increased from four to five and other conditions.

Nine councillors were in favour, one voted against and one abstained.

The Chelford Road site includes a café with commercial sized kitchen, which also welcomes independent celebration cake maker Courtney's Cakes.

Macclesfield: Click on the red link to find more info about Flora Home Furnishings. The approved application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council planning website.

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