Controversial marina plans approved

Plans for a 200-boat marina about a mile north of Audlem on the Shropshire Union canal were approved this afternoon by Crewe & Nantwich Borough councillors. The plans had been submitted by Richard, Angus and Janet Maughan of Monks Hall Farm, Hankelow but were opposed by many residents in the Coole Lane area, which will be the access route to the new development. Thirty three conditions have, however, been made to the approval.

The proposed marina, which will be named after 'Overwater Farm', the original name of Monks Hall Farm until the late Nineteenth Century, also attracted support from Audlem Parish Council, British Waterways, the Inland Waterways Association and the Shropshire Union Canal Society. Planning officers for the Borough Council also recommended councillors approved the plans which were passed with only one councillor opposed on the planning committee.

A borough council report for the meeting had said: "With the absence of any marinas between Nantwich and Market Drayton, it is considered that it would provide a suitable base for a new marina." This view was clearly endorsed by councillors at the meeting in Crewe.

Janet Maughan says their family is very pleased approval has been granted. She told Audlem Online: "At Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council''s Planning Committee meeting today, Audlem''s proposed Overwater Marina has gained planning approval. The project is an exciting venture for the village with the applicants, Richard, Angus and myself, hoping to involve local businesses in the development and future business of the marina."

Concern about the state of Coole Lane will clearly be accelerated by the decision and the added pressure on the road and its current condition will be raised at a meeting with the county councillor who will be responsible for highways in the incoming Cheshire East authority at a meeting to be held next week.

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