MAJOR plans to build a new warehouse at Ma6nitude in Middlewich have taken a huge step forward.

Ma6nitude’s application to expand with a 458,000sq ft unit came before Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board during its virtual meeting today, Wednesday.

Members voted for it to be delegated to officers to approve, subject to further comments.

One third of the site would become home to Swizzels, the firm behind classic sweets like Love Hearts, Parma Violets and Drumsticks.

Ma6nitude also wants to build a smaller 45,000sq ft unit, which would require more detailed designs to be approved prior to development.

The major expansion scheme has caused concern over plans to reroute a brook which flows into the River Croco.

However, officers recommended it for approval subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement, which would require a £1.4 million contribution being paid by Ma6nitude towards the Middlewich eastern bypass.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner, Conservative member for Knutsford, shared his views on the proposals.

He said: “This is a good opportunity for job creation and although the design of the building is not beautiful, in terms of architectural terms, the function for which it is proposed is perfectly appropriate.

“And we can ensure that the materials employed by the condition makes sure that it has a minimum impact.

“I would like to see the planting happen relatively early and I also would like to see some mature species planted because it is very easy to put in 400 trees but if they are all three inches high they are going to take an awful long time to grow and provide the protection.”

Cllr David Jefferay, Independent member for Wilmslow East, labelled it is a ‘decent scheme’.

He added: “The only thing I would ask would be, as well as the Environment Agency confirmation under delegated authority, could we also get confirmation that the flood risk team are satisfied because their comments were outstanding?”

The committee unanimously voted for the application to be delegated to officers to approve in consultation with the chair and vice chair – subject to comments from the Environment Agency and the flood risk team. They will also seek assurances over the use of renewable energy.