British Salt has been given the go ahead to build a new manufacturing facility to produce a new product - a move which is set to create new jobs for Sandbach.

Members of Cheshire East's strategic planning board were unanimous in their approval of the development, which the company's agent, Chris Evert, said would be the first plant of its kind in the UK.

He told councillors it would be an innovative development because it would allow the existing factory to be modified to produce pharmaceutical grade salt, which is a rapidly growing speciality product.

"I know there's great excitement within British Salt about delivering this, and the proposal has been designed basically to try and minimise the impacts on all surrounding residents in terms of transport, in terms of visual impact," he said.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner (Knutsford, Con) asked what materials would be used for the new building to minimise the impact of the corrosion of the salt on the development.

"The reason I asked that question is because this is a particularly exposed site," he said.

"The canal is a conservation area. If we can ensure that the structures are as pristine as possible then that will help in preserving the character of the conservation area to a certain extent."

Richard Diggle, head of business development at British Salt said: "We'll be using different types of steel to the existing purification plant, and using Duplex steel which, to be honest, we can install and then forget about for 30 or 40 years. So it's a long term investment for hopefully at least the next 50 years plus."

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Cllr Patrick Redstone (Odd Rode, Con) said: "I find that this development is completely appropriate for Middlewich with its history of salt, and it's just another part of Middlewich heritage going forward, hopefully for at least 50 years."

Strategic planning board chair Mike Hunter (Middlewich, Lab) said: "It is absolutely fantastic that Tata Chemicals, who have purchased British Salt, are continuing to invest in that business, and provide job opportunities for the people in the mid Cheshire area."

He moved the application be approved as per recommendation and the vote was unanimous.