Wardle airfield and Pochin’s food hub up for approval

TWO major employment schemes are set for approval by Cheshire East Council next week – the redevelopment of Wardle airfield near Nantwich and Pochin’s plans for a food and farming hub at nearby Middlewich.

Phil Posnett, who owns Wardle airfield north of Nantwich, wants to convert it into a 160-acre industrial estate.

The former RAF Calveley is now used as agricultural land but Mr Posnett’s Haughton Estate wants to develop around 1.3 million sq ft of employment space.

This would include 40% for distribution purposes, 40% for light industry and 20% general industry.

Planning officers have recommended the application is approved with conditions when the planning committee meets on December 4.

Developer Pochin’s wants to build Cheshire Fresh which will be dedicated to the farming and food industry at its Midpoint 18 business park in Middlewich.
 
The application outlines a 47-acre scheme which includes a new auction centre, a “food innovation and enterprise centre” and business and office areas.

There is also scope for light industrial and distribution areas, retail, a food court, cafes, restaurants, machinery dealerships, a hotel and leisure.

Frank Marshall and Wright Manley have been signed up to the auction centre, which will cater for livestock, horticultural, fresh produce and plant and machinery sales. According to council papers planning officers are recommending “no objection” rather than the usual “approval”.