An application to extend the hours of operation at the former Langley Business Park near Macclesfield has been recommended for approval.

Outline permission for the mixed use development at the site in rural Langley was granted in 2011 and included nine class B1 office/light industrial units.

The current approval restricts the units to class B1 business use only and the hours of operation are limited to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

In a report due to go before Wednesday's (March 23) meeting of the northern planning committee, the planning officer states: "The applicant believes that these restrictions are too prohibitive and not commercially attractive.

"Hallams Property Consultants have been engaged to assist with the marketing of the units. They have confirmed that, following feedback from over 50 prospective tenants, whilst the small commercial units would fill a void in the current market, the restrictions are overly prohibitive and could therefore hinder the sale/rent of the units once on the market."

Seddon Homes has now applied for permission for the rural enterprise hub, as it is known, to be used for offices, industrial processes and warehousing uses only.

The applicant also wants to extend the hours of operation from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.

No changes to the residential developments are proposed.

Cllr Andrew Gregory (Sutton, Con) referred the application to the northern planning committee.

In a statement due to go before Wednesday's meeting, he says: "There are plenty of other small commercial units in and around the area which enjoy locations which do not impact on people's living conditions.

"The noise, increased pollution and long hours suggested by the applicant for the use of these units will result in loss of amenity for local residents.

"The hours should be reduced to the working week only five days, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. If people wish to work beyond these hours, then as some of us now do, they can work from home outside these hours."

Sutton Parish Council says the existing hours should remain in place.

"This would be a huge upheaval for the neighbours, and vehicles coming and going at all hours would not be suitable for a village location," says a statement from the parish council.

"The business hours were set to ensure a balance between the needs of the businesses and the needs of the residents on the estate but, also, in the village generally and its surroundings.

"Whilst it is accepted that the needs of business may have changed over the last three years when planning was granted, but the needs of residents have not, nor those who live in our rural community."

A further 43 letters have also been sent to Cheshire East expressing concerns about the proposed changes and the impact locally.

Planning officers are recommending the northern planning committee approves the amendments regarding the use and hours of operation.

The meeting takes place at 10am at Macclesfield Town Hall on Wednesday, March 23.

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