The meeting focused on two main planning applications: a residential development on Middlewich Street and a storage facility at Yew Tree Farm. Both applications were approved after detailed discussions on drainage and flood risk for the former and visual impact and compliance with countryside policies for the latter.

Middlewich Street Development

The committee revisited the application for residential development on land at the rear of 203 and 205 Middlewich Street. This application had been deferred from a previous meeting to address drainage issues. Principal Planning Officer Richard Taylor presented the updated drainage strategy, which included a holding tank to manage surface water runoff. The council's flood risk officer had assessed the new plan and found it acceptable. The agent for the applicant, Sarah Foster, emphasized that the detailed drainage analysis showed no increased flood risk. The committee approved the application with revised drainage conditions.

Yew Tree Farm Storage Facility

The second application was a retrospective one for a B8 storage and distribution use at Yew Tree Farm, Clay Lane, Haslington. This new warehouse, constructed in 2023, was discussed in terms of its compliance with open countryside policies. Richard Taylor explained that the building was essential for the expansion of the existing business and had minimal visual impact due to surrounding hedgerows and trees. The committee debated the necessity of changing the building's color to green to blend in better with the landscape. Ultimately, they decided that the color change was not necessary and approved the application as it stood.

Other Items

• Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Byrd, Rod Fletcher, Roger Morris, and Mike Muldoon. Substitutes included Councillors Garnet Marshall, Janet Clowes, and Anthony Harrison.
• Councillor Joy Braberton declared an interest in the Middlewich Street item due to its proximity to her residence but stated it would not affect her decision-making.
• The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without objections.
• Public speaking rules were reiterated, allocating specific time limits for different categories of speakers.

The meeting concluded with the approval of both planning applications, allowing the developments to proceed with specific conditions in place.