Ellesmere mayor backs plan for 250 homes

More details have been unveiled about the project earmarked for the Ellesmere Wharf site off Canal Way in Ellesmere and what impact the build could have on the town.

In new documents, Nigel Thorns of Nigel Thorns Planning Consultancy said that the population in the new development could be "in the region of 625 to 750 people".

The town's mayor Councillor Ian Ward said it could be a huge boost for the area.

He said: "I think it is about the number we were expecting – we were working on a basis of about three per house so that is about what we thought.

"It is a real positive for Ellesmere economically and for business in the town and it will help contribute to the growing town we have.

"It is a significant growth for the town over a relatively short space of time but that is probably about as much as we can cope with, really."

The scheme has been welcomed by others who say it could be the boost its economy needs and has welcomed the possible creation of up to 180 jobs.

Many councillors said they hoped to see the majority of housing needed in Ellesmere go on the wharf site, rather than dotted around the town.

Councillor Ward said: "We really want to get this development sooner rather than later as it is in the right place for the infrastructure in the town to support it."

The plans were originally submitted in September last year and came under fire from heritage experts who feared that the development could have a "serious impact" on Ellesmere Yard, home to 19th century grade II listed buildings.

But after a number of comments and objections, planners had another look at the project and scaled back the hotel and spa size.

A large area of landscaped space was introduced to act as a buffer to the proposed development while plans for tennis courts were dropped and the number of parking spaces cut.

The plans also include a play barn, pub and restaurant, 200-berth marina, 45 holiday cabins and 70 touring caravan plots.