Pochin’s Cheshire Fresh plans approved

Pochin Property has secured planning permission for the £50m Cheshire Fresh commercial development in Middlewich.

Cheshire West & Chester Council approved plans for the 400,500 sq ft project, anchored by a 100,000 sq ft livestock auction centre, alongside associated food and rural enterprise space at Midpoint 18.

Cheshire East Council approved the plans, which straddle the two boroughs, late last year subject to CWAC also agreeing. The plans were in detail for the auction centre and outline for the remainder of the site.

The auction centre will be run by Wright Marshall, the merged business of Wright Manley, currently based in Beeston, and Frank Marshalls of Chelford.

Pochin aims to attract local food producers, machinery dealerships, farm shops and a garden centre alongside leisure uses.

Bob Nicholson, director of Pochin Property, said: "Sitting within Cheshire West & Chester and Cheshire East council boundaries, the cooperation and dialogue between the two authorities has been outstanding. We have valued the engagement with the project from both parties, as well as the support we have received from local MPs and stakeholders.

"The development will form a vital part of the Cheshire economy, and securing planning is the first step in attracting rural businesses. It will provide growth opportunities to the many independent producers currently operating in the area and give occupiers the catalyst for a new focus on the local farming and food industry for Cheshire."

The design team includes HOW Planning, AEW Architects, David Tucker Associates and Tyler Grange, Shepherd Gilmour Infrastructure, Penny Anderson Associates and Royal HaskoningDHV.

Jon Suckley, partner at HOW Planning, comments: "The Cheshire FRESH development is a very exciting concept which will bring extensive investment and new employment opportunities to Middlewich and the surrounding areas."