Visitors are calling on a popular business near Congleton to launch a petition after it was refused retrospective planning application for a change of use. 

The Little Cow Shed in Davenport Lane Brereton Heath, around two miles from Congleton, has been refused a retrospective application to site vending machines for the sale of food and drink and to site storage containers. 

The Little Cow Shed is a popular local attraction. (Photo: Nub News)

Dale Farming had applied for change of use for the business, which opened in April 2021, is opposite Brereton Heath Nature Reserve and is a popular tourist attraction. 

But planners said the development "would result in encroachment into the open countryside through development of open land and cause harm to its character and appearance". 

They also said the development "would remove the existing open character and appearance of the site from the surrounding area. 

The Little Cow Shed opened in April 2021. (Photo: Nub News)

"The elongation of hard standing would dominate the appearance of the site and remove its open characteristics from the surrounding area and countryside. 

"The proposal would therefore have a significant impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area". 

Various local residents and Brereton Parish Council had objected to the application which can be viewed here

The parish council said in a letter to Cheshire East: "Brereton Parish Council has been made aware by residents living close to the area, that noise levels have increased especially in the evenings since the introduction of vending machines at The Little Cow Shed. 

"The car park that has been added has become a gathering location which had led to loud music, numerous loud car engines and a general increase in the noise disrupting residents. 

The Little Cow Shed is opposite Brereton Heath Nature Reserve. (Photo: Nub News)

 "Brereton Parish Council is concerned with the increase of traffic to the area, the impact this has on an already narrow road." 

 They did however say that if the Little Cow Shed were to re-submit the application outlining ways to deal with the issues outlined in their letter, it may be "minded to support the application". 

Visitors to The Little Cow Shed say the business, which sells various types of coffee, milk shakes and snacks from vending machines plus breakfast baps and ice creams from food outlets on the site, is an important facility and are calling for a petition to be launched. 

The Breen family from Holmes Chapel are regular visitors to The Little Cow Shed.S 

Nicola Breen said: "I come with my dog during the week. It's a great local facility and we should start a petition. 

"So many farmers are struggling and this is a great outlet. It offers something different for families and we enjoy coming here." 

The Little Cow Shed is part of the Dale farming family. (Photo: Nub News)

Another resident visiting from Winsford said it was a good place to walk and stop to have a cup of tea and something to eat. 

"We come for a cup of tea and a walk. It's a great facility to have," said Mark Abbiss. 

The applicant has six months to appeal the decision to the Secretary of State. 

Ed Dale from Dale Farms said: "We are talking with the Parish Council and Cheshire East Council's Planning Department in order to resolve the situation. 

"In the meantime, we are committed to offering our customers fresh, local dairy products direct from our farm at the same time as employing over 40 people locally both on the farm and at the Little Cow Shed, which now forms a very important part of our family farming business.  

"The Little Cow Shed is dedicated to connecting local people with fresh dairy products from our family farm whilst offering a rural experience for local families in our unique location right beside Brereton Heath Nature Reserve."