Cuddington yogurt factory to be transformed into £40 million housing development

Feb 24 2011 by Carmella de Lucia, Chester Chronicle

PLANS to turn a former Cheshire yoghurt factory into a top of the range housing development have been given the green light.

Cheshire West and Chester Council approved proposals by Ainscough Strategic Land (ASL) to redevelop the 20-acre former Nestle ski yoghurt factory in Cuddington.

In a £40 million development, the existing factory site will be transformed to include 156 family homes, a wildflower meadow, a community building and a new controlled junction to slow traffic on the A49.

The scheme will also fund the creation of new permanent classrooms at Sandiway Primary School and provide new play areas and public spaces, including new allotments for existing and new villagers.

The approval comes after two years of public consultation, which saw more than 300 people attend exhibitions and community meetings, and over 100 detailed feedback forms submitted to reflect issues raised by local residents.

The land, located on the northern edge of Cuddington, has been vacant since 2007 after Nestle moved its operations to mainland Europe. Ainscough Strategic Land acquired the land two years later.

Nigel McGurk, managing director of Ainscough Strategic Land, said: “This decision is great news for Cuddington. The former yoghurt factory will now be transformed into a sustainable and vibrant part of this beautiful village.

“This has been a great example of real localism in practice. Support for the approved plans is overwhelmingly positive because we have worked closely with people and addressed local issues.

“The transformation of this site will bring lasting benefits to the village.”

Demolition of the site’s old buildings is due to start over the next few weeks.