Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for holiday lodges with café and shop at a former poultry farm in Poynton with several councillors saying it's the type of business they want to encourage.

Poynton Town Council and 56 residents had objected to the application to demolish storage buildings at Price Poultry Farm on Green Lane to make way for nine detached holiday lodges and a' facilities building' containing a shop, café, laundry room and gym.

Town councillor Laurence Clarke told yesterday's (Thursday) meeting of Cheshire East's northern planning committee: "The town council is concerned that allowing the building of a shop and cafe, which are open to the general public, will allow the intrusion of a commercial activity into the semi-rural green belt."

Applicant James Price said his family had worked and lived in Poynton for 50 years.

"I obviously think this is a positive application for reuse of a brownfield site that enhances the green belt, the countryside, and the rural economy," he said.

Macclesfield councillor Sarah-Bennett Wake (Lab) said the decision for her was a 'no-brainer' and she wished the applicant good luck.

"This is something that we should be encouraging," she said.

"It's a local family expanding their business to bring tourists into the area."

Cllr Mary Brooks (Macclesfield, Lab) said: "I think, on the whole, it's positive development in the area.

"It will give the opportunity for people to enjoy the delights of Poynton."

She moved the committee accept the recommendation, which was to delegate back to planning officers to approve, subject to receipt of the outstanding highways and ecology information.

This was seconded by Cllr Fiona Wilson (Macclesfield, Lab) who said: "I think this is an excellent application to remove two pretty unsightly buildings and replace them with some very nice holiday homes.

"It ticks the tourism box. The applicant's supporting local businesses, the applicant's supporting local employment, and providing services for local residents…

"This is a really, really interesting business concept, and I wish the applicant and his family well in the success with this."

Prestbury councillor Thelma Jackson (Con) agreed.

"I think it's an ideal place to have such things, and so I say good luck, and I hope it all goes well," she said,

But Poynton councillor Mike Sewart (Con) said he couldn't support it.

Cllr Sewart said an application for 11 houses on the site had been refused and this proposal 'would be just as intensive'.

"If committee does feel that the application should be approved, I do plead that strong conditions are imposed that ensure that it is holiday accommodation, not permanent residential use," he said.

Eight councillors voted in favour of delegating the application back to officers to approve and two voted against.