A BUSINESSMAN from Middlewich has been granted permission to build a sports complex and hotel, despite Cheshire East Council turning the proposals down last year.


Aiden Devaney, who owns the Butchers shop on Wheelock Street, is also a director of Woodside Golf Club in Cranage, and is now set to expand the club tennis courts, a bowling green, football and cricket pitches and other community sporting facilities.


The club told the Guardian that 'many new jobs' will be created as a result of the project taking place.


Plans for a seven house enabling scheme and a 27-bedroom hotel are also part of the successful application.


In June last year, the council turned down the application despite overwhelming support from residents, councillors and MP for the area, Fiona Bruce.


The Devaney family-run club appealed against the decision and the government inspectorate became involved. Following an investigation, permission was granted for the scheme.


Aidan said: "Unlike plans submitted by developers for hundreds of houses with no thought for the overwhelming objection of the people or the lack of community facilities such as the ones we will be offering, this development will provide facilities for local people to enjoy for years to come.


"Whilst we recognise the difficult job Cheshire East’s planning department and the council staff as a whole do, we feel this is a victory for democracy and the people of Cranage and Cheshire East."


The inspectorate recognised that despite the council’s opinion that there are adequate sporting facilities in the area, the local residents, for the most part, do not agree. It was also pointed out that the Parish council support the application and feel nearby sporting and recreation facilities have their limitations.


Shaun Devaney, who is also a director of Woodside Golf Club, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support we have been given from residents across the Cheshire East area. We believe these plans along with the seven houses and 27-bedroom hotel will provide much needed sporting facilities for the area.


“We feel these are the schemes that the council should be encouraging.”