A NEW event space is set to be created at a wedding venue which once served as the home of Take That star Gary Barlow.
Delamere Manor submitted plans in 2021 to Cheshire West and Chester Council to extend and refurbish a pump house on its grounds in Cuddington.
The proposal would see the building become a new function area at the Cuddington Lane venue, where Gary Barlow lived between 1995 and 2005.
And on Wednesday (June 14) last week, council planners rubberstamped the application.
In a design and access statement, prepared by Studio Attis Ltd on behalf of the applicant, it says: "The existing single storey building is currently in a state of disrepair and is vacant.
"It lies just off the adjacent track and is sunken from 'street' level, as such it is somewhat obscured from view by the surrounding landscape.
"This proposal seeks approval for refurbishment of the existing Pump House building along with a side extension to the east.
"The Pump House building is proposed to be refurbished and extended to form a new event space.
"Great care has been taken as to ensure that the proposal fits into its context in a meaningful way.
"Proposed materials are in keeping with the character of the existing Pump House and used in a contemporary manner.
"The scheme proposes the creation of an inclusive environment which caters for diverse users, including the disabled and visually impaired."
In a report recommending approval, a council officer said: "The proposal seeks to establish a function venue within the grounds of Delamere Manor by extending and then reusing an old pump house, primarily for weddings.
"This facility would complement the main function venue operating out of the historic mansion to the north of the site.
"The proposed extension to the subject premises is considered to be reasonably necessary to facilitate the reuse of the pump house building as a function venue, since it would allow the building to host essential facilities (i.e. toilets, food preparation area, cloakroom etc) without unduly compromising the amount of usable floorspace available for actual functions.
"It is not considered that the proposed development would cause any unacceptable harm in terms of visual impact, openness of the Green Belt, residential amenity, biodiversity or highway safety and therefore the proposals are considered to be acceptable."
To view the plans, search reference 21/02869/FUL on the council's online planning portal.
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