Business bid to expand is rejected
A COUPLE’S attempts to help their work from home flower business bloom have been thwarted because it’s in the green belt.
Frank and Catherine Howard run Anna’s Patch – a horticulture operation – from Red Legg Farm, off Green Lane, Poynton.
It grows and sells plants, flowers, shrubs and trees as well some that have been bought in.
Mr and Mrs Howard wanted to build a greenhouse, polytunnel and potting shed-cum-workshop to increase productivity.
But Cheshire East Council has refused their planning application saying the couple had not demonstrated the work was ‘essential’ for the business - a criteria to allow green belt development.
During consultation three residents had backed the plans saying small businesses should be supported - especially one providing organic local produce.
But 19 had objected on grounds including the site being unsuitable for retail, increased traffic near the popular Middlewood Way route, effect on neighbouring properties and the green belt location.
One said: “There is no need for a commercial nursery and the risk far outweighs any potential benefits.”
In the application, Anna’s Patch is described as a ‘hobby business’ operating on days pre-announced on social media.
Typically on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in growing season selling five to 10 items a day. These also include ornaments and statues.
A report by consultants Emery said the proposed buildings would be allowed under permitted development rights were the business not to buy in stock to sell.
It stated: “The proposal is within the Green Belt, however as an agricultural building, it is not an inappropriate form of development.
“The level of retail sales are historically modest, and given the business will continue to employ a single person, combined with the size of the smallholding, it is not envisaged that the number and frequency of sales can increase and intensify to an extent whereby any harms could be experienced.
“The proposal would significantly enhance the landscape, biodiversity and geodiversity credentials of the site.”
In recommending the application for refusal, council planner Faye Plant said: “The proposals fail to demonstrate that this is an essential development required to support the long term needs of an existing horticultural business.”