Plans for a village pub to convert a house into B&B accommodation have been approved by Cheshire East Council.

Mark Taylor, of the Brownlow Inn, Brownlow Heath Lane, Brownlow, successfully applied for planning permission to turn a house into bed and breakfast accommodation associated with the pub.

In the design and access statement submitted to Cheshire East alongside the planning application, Mr Taylor stated that the scheme was part of some "much needed investment" into the building "which the breweries in the past refused to carry out".

He added: "In order to sustain the business and employment levels in the years to come it is crucial that we continue to invest into the buildings and facilities at the Brownlow Inn."

The plans were supported from a neighbouring property. The resident of Owls Nest, Brownlow Farm, Brownlow Heath Lane, commented on Cheshire East's planning portal, saying: "We fully support this planning application."

However, Newbold Astbury Cum Moreton Parish Council objected to the application, saying: "Whilst supporting the conversion of the existing building to B&B units, enlargement of the site to provide car parking encroaches into agricultural/open land.

"There would appear to be adequate space within the existing curtilage to accommodate the proposed parking."

The application stated the site is a house known as the Oaklands, part of landholding that includes the Brownlow Inn and owned by Mr Taylor.

The application related to the conversion of The Oaklands to a B&B and the associated additional car parking spaces.

In Cheshire East's officer's report, case officer Calum Mountfield said: "The proposals would provide parking for six vehicles in the curtilage, for a bed and breakfast with six rooms.

"The parking layout was amended during the course of the application, but the revised layout was considered to be acceptable to enable vehicles to sufficiently manoeuvre in and out of each space.

"The access has also been widened slightly as part of the proposals to meet the required width."

"The proposals are acceptable development in the Green Belt, in terms of design, amenity, highways, and impacts on trees, landscape."

A replacement conservatory at the gastropub and the new toilet facilities have already been approved as part of a first planning application.

No new extensions were proposed to the existing building and the development is limited to the change of use and some internal alterations.

Mr Taylor added: "For the last fifty odd years the Brownlow Inn was owned by the breweries which then leased the premises to publicans.

"In January 2006, I purchased the lease at The Brownlow Inn and began increasing the Brownlow Inn trade. In March 2012 I purchased the freehold from Enterprise Inns and The Brownlow Inn can now proudly add the words 'freehold' to their sign.

"The benefits to this are that much needed investment into the building which the Breweries in the past refused to do can now be implemented.

"Notwithstanding the current restrictions associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic, we are looking to start work on the replacement conservatory and toilet facilities in the next 12 months.

"I also own the Ryles Arms in Higher Sutton and this establishment has operated as a parallel business, being also well located and offering award winning quality food and drink to our clients.

"The Ryles Arms has been recently extended to provide improved kitchen and dining facilities – a project that was welcomed and fully supported by Cheshire East Council .

"The Ryles Arms has the added advantage of a small B&B element which widens the experience and options we can offer to our clients.

"It is this successful business model, which is also key to the expansion and sustainability of the Brownlow Inn.

"The Brownlow remains a very important employer for the local area and currently employs over 40 full-time and part-time employees.

"The proposed conversion of The Oaklands into a B&B facility will provide further employment for up to three full-time employees."

Cheshire East approved the plans last week.