Ellesmere hotel and housing plans scaled back after complaints
Plans for a huge tourist and housing development in Ellesmere have been scaled back after complaints from heritage experts.
Developers hoping to build a hotel, spa, restaurant and 250 homes on land off Canal Way have reduced the size of key buildings after backlash from English Heritage and the Canal and Rivers Trust.
The organisations feared that the development could have a "serious impact" on Ellesmere Yard, home to 19th century preserved Grade II-listed buildings including a blacksmiths and joiners shop, dry dock, yard manager's house and Beech House, the former head offices of the Ellesmere Canal Company.
The development has been hailed as a "lifeline" by civic leaders who say it could be the boost the town's economy needs and create up to 180 jobs.
But many fear it could ruin the charm of Ellesmere.
Nigel Thorns Planning Consultancy has had another look at its plans and has reduced the size of the hotel and spa.
