Plans to create a larger industrial storage facility close to the M6 at Sandbach could now go ahead despite planning officers originally recommending the scheme be refused.

Bolshaw Industrial Powders wants to expand its operations to the Saxon Cross site off Holmes Chapel Road for environmental reasons.

Cheshire East planners had recommended refusal, saying the siting, length and height of the proposed units would have an urbanising and detrimental impact upon the character and appearance of the open countryside locality.

But at yesterday's (Wednesday) meeting of the southern planning committee the applicant's agent, Jamie Lynch, told councillors: "Bolshaw's would much prefer a collaborative approach and would like the opportunity to discuss the design comments with your officers and be provided with the opportunity to submit revised plans."

Mr Lynch said the company is a leading supplier of hydrated lime and other blended products for key infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial operations.

It has outgrown its existing premises near Macclesfield and is in urgent need of increased storage space in a more accessible location.

"The reason for the relocation is to increase Bolshaw's storage facility at a more accessible location adjacent to the M6," he said.

The application is seeking permission to extend an existing industrial unit on the Sandbach site, which the company has owned since 2010, and to add an extra building.

Councillors were told National Gas Transmission operates a high-pressure gas pipeline in the vicinity of the proposed development and was requesting clarification regarding the materials to be stored.

The agent told the meeting the materials were not hazardous, so there would be no issues with National Gas.

Wybunbury councillor Janet Clowes (Con), who was chairing the meeting, said: "We've heard from the speakers that they are willing to reduce the height of the buildings and engage in further conversation regarding design and landscape.

"We are assured by the speakers that this is not a hazard in terms of the gas pipeline, but obviously we would have to get that information from National Gas Transmission.

"So, I find myself actually quite empathetic to this site, particularly in the light that there is no adverse comment from the town and parish councils."

Nantwich councillor Anna Burton (Lab) said there is already quite an established industrial unit on the site so she didn't think the development would make a huge amount of difference to the area.

The committee could not defer the application, as had been requested by the agent, because under national planning law changes which come into force at the end of this month, applications such as this can no longer be dealt with by a committee, they have to be determined by planning officers.

Planning officer Daniel Evans said the committee could approve to delegate to the head of planning to determine the application and undertake further negotiations with the applicant in terms of design and landscaping of the development.

This would also include further consultation with National Gas regarding the pipeline on site.

Brereton councillor John Wray (Con) moved the proposal to delegate back to the head of planning and this was seconded by Cllr Burton.

The committee was unanimous in its vote so the applicant and planning officers will now hold further talks about the proposal.