A councillor has asked why Cheshire East planners are delaying a decision on an equestrian-based therapy centre for autistic youngsters 'which would benefit our children'.

Cllr Jos Saunders (Poynton, Con) was referring to a centre proposed for Saltersford Farm in Twemlow, which Cheshire East itself has expressed an interest in using for children in the borough.

But it can't be built because the council's planners haven't made a decision on the application, which was submitted in April of last year.

Cllr Saunders was critical of the council's silo working – which also came under fire in last year's peer review by the Local Government Association.

And at the recent meeting of the children and families committee, she said: "We have a horse therapy centre in Twemlow which they're trying to bring forward, and they've now been waiting a year for planning.

"It's not our school, but it would benefit our children, and we need to unlock that sort of silo working."

Chris and Vicky Bates, who are behind the centre proposed for Twemlow, have enlisted the expertise of two qualified teachers to help run the venture.

Alex Northover And Vicky Bates With One of the horses at Saltersford Farm at Twemlow. (Photo: Belinda Ryan, LDRS)

One has an MA in autism spectrum conditions.

Both already work with young people who need nurture, structure, understanding and support.

The proposals include:

• the provision of specialist on-site facilities catered towards people with autism;
• equestrian facilities, including indoor arena and provision of specialist stud facilities to support the site's breeding, foaling and youngstock activities;
• specialist holiday accommodation to support the specific needs of autistic people and provide short-break respite for families;
• education centre and craft workshop spaces;
• staff facilities and on-site living accommodation.

The application has the full backing of local people as well as parents from further afield and a disability charity.

Cllr Saunders raised the matter at the meeting, as the cash-strapped council voted to write to the government to stress the urgency of a quick decision on plans for two special schools in Crewe and Sandbach.

She also pointed out the council has a poor track record in bringing forward school capital projects.

"We had an issue with the expansion of Springfield school in Wilmslow," she reminded the committee. "It came in one year late and double the original budget."

The Twemlow proposal is being funded privately, at no cost to the council.

According to Cheshire East's planning portal, the application for the equestrian scheme at Saltersford Farm at Twemlow is still 'pending consideration'.

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