Congleton: Miniature railway could be built at popular farm park near in Astbury
By Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter
9th Jun 2022 | Local News
Plans to build a miniature railway at a farm in Astbury are being backed by residents from across Cheshire and further afield.
More than 30 people have so far written to Cheshire East Council in support of the proposal by Rob Lomas to build the attraction at Glebe Farm off Peel Lane which is popular with both Congleton and Sandbach residents.
The application is a re-submission of a scheme which should have been considered by the council's southern planning committee last November but was withdrawn after officers recommended it for refusal because the site is on green belt land.
The proposal includes two stations and a number of small locomotives would operate on the railway.
Much of the land is farmed but the site currently also includes café, farm shop and open farm.
A planning document submitted with the application states: "The proposed siting of a miniature railway and associated ancillary facilities is considered to be a progressive step for the business.
"It is essential that the business diversifies in order to off-set risk and mitigate against the volatile agricultural market conditions."
It continues: "The siting of the proposed railway utilises unproductive areas of the farm yard and surrounding farm land whilst also considering the impact on the landscape of the site.
"By excavating a shallow trench, it will enable the railway to be constructed predominantly flush to ground level thus further reducing the impact of the tracking. The use of existing farm buildings and creation of ground level stations removes the need for further building to be erected on site."
Mr Lomas believes concerns raised by the council's planning officers have now been addressed.
The planning document states: "Issues raised by the previous application have been addressed – most notably parking, visual/green space impact, the impact on footpaths and landscaping features."
At the time of writing, 34 letters supporting the application have been posted on the planning portal on the council's website. There are none opposing the scheme.
One from Crewe said: "Having brought my children for a trip out they absolutely loved it and would return almost weekly if the site was extended as planned, the close proximity to my local area makes it ideal for the kids to let off steam."
One from Congleton said: "I think it will be a great addition to the farm."
The application, number 22/1550C, can be viewed on Cheshire East's website.
The last date for submitting comments is July 7 and the application is expected to be considered by the southern planning committee on August 3.
A diagram of the plans can be viewed here.
Glebe Farm is a family-ran attraction which takes their name from medieval times. It is ran be second generation dairy farmers, and opened a farm shop in 2010.
It is also famous for their petting zoo and butchers.
It has most recently housed a Ukrainian aid collection point.
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