Plans for a large new employment building which could deliver up to 290 jobs in Congleton have been given the go-ahead.

Clowes Developments wants to construct the 9,537sqm building, together with car, HGV and cycle parking, on land east of Viking Way.

The developer's agent, Alice Routledge, told this week's meeting of Cheshire East's strategic planning board: "There is interest in the development from existing businesses in the borough and the scheme could deliver between 157 and 290 full time equivalent operational jobs and 88 full-time equivalent construction jobs."

The main concern at the meeting was the height of the building which, at 14.8m high, is 2.8 metres higher than the maximum set out in the approved design code at the outline stage.

Knutsford councillor Stewart Gardiner (Con) asked Ms Routledge, why the building had to be so high and was told: "We don't have a specific occupier but the market is telling us that that is the size of building that these types of clients are looking for."

Councillor Stewart Gardiner (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

Planning officer Adrian Crowther acknowledged it was a big building but planners were satisfied there was no visual harm.

Congleton councillor Suzie Akers Smith (Ind) asked for a pedestrian walk through from nearby homes which would help access to the supermarket and other facilities but was told this would not be possible because of the steep slope.

Councillor Cllr Suzie Akers Smith (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

She moved the application be approved but asked for funding to improve a nearby pavement.

She was told this could not be done as part of this application.

Head of planning David Malcolm said the council could only ask for money if it was mitigating the impact of the development.

"We have to be reasonable on what we can ask for," he told Cllr Akers Smith.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner (Con) said the SPB was required to consider the scheme before it, but could not come up with a 'shopping list' for other things.

"I feel that there are reasonable justifications for the height of the building. I think that Clowes have taken appropriate action to minimise its impact," said Cllr Gardiner.

"I recognise that my desire for a green roof is not practical, given that we are having photovoltaics to generate energy."

He said the landscaping proposed would also reduce the impact of the building and seconded the proposal to approve the scheme.

Councillor Brian Puddicombe (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

Macclesfield councillor Brian Puddicombe (Lab) said he was not a fan of these large, modern, commercial buildings but added: "The agent told us that the market says there is a demand for this type of structure and, I think, more and more companies and traders are looking to move from town centres to these type of structures so it is, like or not, the shape of things to come."

The application was approved unanimously.