BIRD populations in Chelford could scupper plans for a quarry to be converted to a watersports activity centre after planning officers recommended the plans should be refused.

In March, Cheshire Lakes Community Interest Company submitted an application for a new watersports and outdoor activity centre at the former Hanson Quarry in the village.

The proposal is to use two existing lakes, created as part of the quarry’s restoration plan following its closure.

The north lake will house a wire pulley system to enable wakeboarding, as well as an aerial activity course. The south lake will be used for open water swimming, paddle boarding and canoeing.

In total the site covers 55 acres.

The plans are due to be heard at a meeting of Cheshire East Council's Strategic Planning Board on Wednesday, July 27.

But the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has objected to the plans on the basis that the ecological survey was inadequate, while the Cheshire Wildlife Trust has also rejected the proposal.

In a report produced ahead of the meeting planning officers said there were a number of positives to the scheme but in all it did not represent 'sustainable development' as a whole.

"The development would provide an opportunity for local residents to participate in sport particularly kayaking and swimming at the site along with utilising the enhanced public footpath network," it adds.

"It is considered that the proposed development would be very positive in terms of contributing to the local rural economy and supporting local businesses. The proposed development will attract visitors from the local area and from further afield to use the facility.

"However, the site has a rich biodiversity, which is proposed to be enhanced further through the continued development of the restoration scheme. The biodiversity would

suffer as a result of the proposals and in particular the birdlife at the site.

"It is considered that even with mitigation, the levels of disturbance would be detrimental to the biodiversity at the site.

"It is clear that there are a number of positives to the scheme, however the harm to biodiversity, in particular bird populations cannot be overcome in order to achieve a scheme that would see the proposed use and the biodiversity exist together."