Mobberley scheme set for approval

A new proposal to redevelop the Harman Technology manufacturing complex near the Cheshire village of Mobberley, which involves reducing the amount of employment space by a quarter and building 290 homes, has been recommended for approval.Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board is due to discuss a hybrid application by Argonaught Holdings Ltd care of LPC Living at its next meeting on Wednesday, 23 March 2016. The proposal seeks full planning permission to alter existing employment buildings and construct new buildings, full planning permission to demolish redundant buildings that are surplus to Harman Technology’s requirements, and outline planning consent to create up to 290 homes.The 56.6-acre site earmarked for development is largely vacant. The western part has already been developed and is occupied by Harman Technology, while the eastern part is undeveloped and lies within the greenbelt.The site has been used to manufacture photography materials under the Ilford name for more than 100 years. Ilford Imaging UK Ltd fell into receivership in 2004 but was subsequently acquired by management through the newly formed company Harman Technology.At the height of the operation, there were approximately 1,700/1,800 staff onsite but now there are just over 200 workers. The application seeks to consolidate Harman Technology’s operation and provide modern accommodation for the business.The proposal involves retaining the Harman business on a smaller footprint within the southern part of the site with a 271,251 sq ft business park to the north. This would lead to a 23 per cent loss in overall employment land.Ahead of the meeting, planning officers have prepared a detailed report for committee members.