PLANS for holiday accommodation in a log cabin have been approved at a four star rural bed and breakfast business.

The application was put forward at Hill House Farm in Rushton by Catherine Rayner.

Mrs Rayner told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council she was seeking approval for the single-storey chalet, which would have three bedrooms and a slate roof, for use as a holiday let.

An older style timber stable and an outbuilding would be demolished.

The luxury, award winning farmhouse has three bed and breakfast rooms and a small self-contained apartment, according to a report.

There is also a horse livery business.

The B&B offers riding holidays and some tuition for visitors who are able to bring their own horses.

It also provides accommodation for visitors to the Oulton Park racing circuit.

Rushton Parish Council said it supported the principle of diversification but had reservations about the materials and design of the log cabin which it felt were not typical of the area.

The replacement of the stable block and outbuilding would have the potential to improve visual amenity as the buildings were not attractive, planners suggested.

There would be little effect on the landscape and further planting was proposed together with the creation of a new orchard in an adjacent field.

The timber chalet would be ‘relatively attractive’ and neighbours were a reasonable distance away.

The application was recommended for approval and the borough council agreed permission could be granted subject to 13 conditions including a register of occupancy being kept and the cabin only being occupied in connection with the B&B business.