THE large Cheshire Fresh development in Middlewich which was shelved two years ago, is now back on the table.

The elaborate plans for the 47-acre rural business hub were first drawn up in 2013 and included a livestock auction centre, food production centre, garden centre, farm shop, restaurants and cafés, veterinary practices, business units and offices.

The multi-million pound scheme proved contentious among the community since it was first announced almost six years ago.

Many welcomed the economic boost that the scheme would bring to the area, along with a projected 700 new jobs, while others were concerned that such a large-scale development would put unbearable strain on the town’s roads.

However, Middlewich-based construction firm Pochin’s – the company which submitted the plans – called off the project more than two years ago.

Speaking to the Guardian in January 2017, a spokesman for the firm said: “While it remains an interesting concept, it’s become clear that Cheshire Fresh wouldn’t be commercially viable with the current level of support from the market.

“We would be open to seeing how a revised version of it could work in future, but it isn’t in the immediate plans for the site.”

It has now been confirmed that the scheme is being proposed once again, with plans being resubmitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The plans are submitted to CWAC rather than Cheshire East Council, as the site mainly falls within the Cheshire West boundary.

The project has now been taken over by a joint venture between Pochin’s and fellow construction company DB Symmetry, known as DBS Pochin.

A spokesman for DBS Pochin said: “DB Symmetry and Pochin’s are working together in a joint venture – DBS Pochin LLP – on the wider site formerly known as Midpoint 18 and now rebranded MA6NITUDE, which comprises over 170 acres of development land.

“DBS Pochin is seeking to promote a mixed retail and employment scheme on land at Middlewich, adjacent to the MA6NITUDE employment site.

“A reserved matters application has now been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is fully in line with the Cheshire Fresh planning consent granted in 2014. This is the next logical step in achieving our vision for the site.”

Cllr Mike Parsons, Middlewich ward member at Cheshire East Council, says he would welcome the scheme as long as ‘serious funding’ is given to improving the A54 Holmes Chapel Road.

Cllr Parsons said: “If this ends up being an application that ultimately will benefit the economic growth of Middlewich then it’s something that could be very welcomed.

“However, I wouldn’t want to see it compromised by having to have a lot of extra housing development on it that goes towards paying for it, giving that the Neighbourhood Plan was voted against and we now have no defence.

“Given the position of the development and the extra traffic it will bring, it absolutely has to help fund the dualling of the A54. I want to see serious funding towards that road because it cannot cope as it is.”