A GOVERNMENT inspector has granted planning permission for a sports centre and hotel with seven houses in Cranage, despite Cheshire East Council turning the proposals down last year.

Woodside Golf Club on Knutsford Road applied to the authority for permission to add facilities to the site, including 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 family-run club appealed against the decision and the government inspectorate became involved. Following an investigation, permission was granted for the scheme.

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.

The report stated that the project would 'satisfy the needs of the local population and bring with it considerable social benefits to the community.'

As part of the plans, residents will be able to use the new sports facilities for a nominal fee and special annual family memberships will be offered for a discounted fee to those living in the Parish of Cranage.

Woodside director Shaun Devaney said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support we have been given, not only by the people of Cranage but 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.

“Our MP Fiona Bruce along with local councillors Les Gilbert and Andrew Kolker and our Parish Council has supported us throughout what became just short of a four year ordeal with Cheshire East Council.

“Working with the Parish Council we have found a partner that wants to work with us to achieve the right sort of development in Cranage.

“Two surveys were done in Cranage to find out the area’s sports needs, we have worked with the Parish Council to provide what the people have asked for, and this can now be done."

Aidan Devaney also a director of Woodside Golf, added: "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."