Plans to upgrade and improve leisure facilities in Middlewich have been shelved.

Cheshire East's southern planning committee gave permission two years ago to a scheme to upgrade the existing leisure facilities at the Sutton Lane Football Pitches.

This included adding a two-storey detached building for gym and exercise studios, improving the existing changing room block, widening the access road and extending the car park by 28 spaces.

Laura Turner pointed out planning permission had been granted. (Photo: Cheshire East Council) C

Yesterday, at full council, Middlewich resident, Laura Turner (pictured above) pointed out planning permission had been granted and said: "We want to know that will be built in Middlewich as the plan stated."

Cllr Mick Warren (Macclesfield, Ind), who chairs the environment and communities committee, said that scheme was no longer in the current plans.

"Planning consent was secured for leisure development at Sutton Lane Playing Fields, however the business case for this investment required circa £4m-£5m investment from the council which required further approval in order that it could be included on the council's capital programme," said Cllr Warren.

Mrs Turner also asked for an update on the bypass.

Cllr Craig Browne (Alderley Edge, Ind), who chairs the highways and transport committee, said: "The council is currently awaiting final funding approval from transport ministers and this needs to be in place before the grant can be released.

"The council has made the Department for Transport fully aware of the impacts on that scheme, of delays arising from the funding decision."

He added: "The report that went to the highways and transport committee in September stated our intention to open the road in 2026.

"This date may still be achievable but it does depend on there being no further delays with the DFT decision.

"The council has, however, funded up front and at risk, some site clearance work for the bypass that has already started to happen and this will enable the main contractor to begin construction this year – again, subject to that funding decision from the Department of Transport being expedited at the earliest opportunity."

Would you like to know more about Sandbach?

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Sandbach Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Sandbach Nub News on Facebook  or Twitter

We also have a weekly newsletter with the TOP FIVE stories of the week - sign up here