Report by NICK SMITH

PLANS to transform an overgrown plot of land in Middlewich into a development of shops and flats have been given the green light.

Congleton Borough Council's planning committee gave the plan the go-ahead at a meeting on Monday night.

The development comprises eight shop units, eight mews houses and 20 flats at The Tannery in Wheelock Street, opposite the White Bear pub.

Their decision came despite ongoing objections from various businesses and organisations in the town.

Letters to the council from the landlords of both the White Bear and the Vaults expressed concern that 28 residential properties will be on the main street in Middlewich, where they would be in the immediate vicinity of places with entertainment licences.

Middlewich Town Council had feared that a dangerous precedent could be set, with the balance for future town centre applications being tipped in favour of residential rather than retail use.

But the borough council has maintained that the development will provide benefits for the town.

A spokesman for the borough's planning committee said: "Overall, this mixed-use development in the town centre location is a sustainable form of development.

"It could secure benefits for the town, not least by increasing vitality and security in the areas outside of normal shopping hours.

"More importantly, there is potential for increased business for local shops and other services as a result of 28 additional households in the locality."

No date has been fixed for the work to start.

But once agreements are signed construction must begin within five years.

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