A controversial outdoor adventure development on Frodsham Marshes has been unanimously approved following a visit by the Cheshire West and Chester planning committee to the site.
Hover Force Ltd’s application to turn green belt land off Brook Furlong into a recreation facility offering thrill-seekers the chance to try their hand at hovercraft flying and buggie-driving prompted concerns from local residents and town councillors about noise pollution and traffic congestion on Marsh Lane.
But members of the planning committee unanimously approved the application last Tuesday after visiting the site the day before to see and hear the machines in action.
The planning officer’s recommendation was also for the scheme to proceed.
Temporary permission was granted for three years subject to conditions, which included that the number of vehicles able to access the site is limited to 16 per day and that the sale of hot food and drink is restricted but can be provided as part of a package.
Town councillor Kyle McGregor said he was ‘really disappointed’ with the decision.
“I felt the arguments against the application were strong. But the strongest argument was the public's opposition to it and that has been ignored,” he said.
Ward councillors Andrew Dawson, who called in the application for determination by the planning committee, and Lynn Riley spoke on behalf of local residents at the meeting.
Cllr Dawson argued that the proposal would be better located away from Frodsham, next to the airfield where the model aircraft fly.
“It’s the second best. I would have preferred a refusal, or the applicant relocating the venture – however if it had to be approved, then a temporary permission allows the development to proceed - but it is on probation for the next three years,” he said.
Cllr Dawson commended Hover Force Ltd for their handling of the application process: “I do think this applicant should be praised for the model way in which he has proceeded.
“Putting on trial events was helpful and it allowed the committee to consider real data and evidence not just speculation in a draft report.”
Hover Force Ltd ran trials over several days, which its director Paul Hanks said was ‘to help improve understanding and awareness of what was proposed and to dispel concerns about noise’.
He said: “Local residents were invited to come and see the vehicles in operation and to raise points of concern. I consider it to have been a two-way process and, as such, I will look to adapt practices and look for ways to minimise any adverse impact.”
Mr Hanks added that he was ‘very pleased’ the proposal was given the go-ahead and said he intended to ‘work with local businesses in Frodsham and alongside local residents’.
