A COUPLE have branded a council's planning application refusal 'disgraceful' and said they will be appealing the decision.

As part of the plans, eight luxury log cabins were to be built near Little Budworth, but the application was rejected by Cheshire West and Chester council.

The holiday lodges, on land off the A54 Chester Road, would have offered guests three bedrooms, an open plan living area as well as hot tubs.

But county planners raised concerns about the location of the site and its access to nearby amenities, as well as the potential harm to the 'rural landscape'.

However, Emma Richardson, who made the application with her husband Glynn, said the refusal showed 'a lack of common sense' and referenced a similar scheme that was approved in the area several years ago.

READ> Luxury log cabins getaways could soon be on offer in Little Budworth

She said: "The refusal shows a complete lack of common sense, objectors need to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and seriously consider the reasons stated for refusal.

"It’s absolutely disgraceful.

"The community and social media have shown overwhelming support and can see just what the site would bring - much needed revenue in the local area and support for local pubs, cafes, shops etc.

"There are facilities for visitors literally on the door step. It’s absolutely shocking."

Northwich Guardian:

The cabins are planned to have their own hot tubs

Despite a scheme to build 23 cabins on land 500 yards away from the site being approved in 2013, CWAC said the plan was not located in the most sustainable location.

The scheme was also said to be 'visually intrusive' and 'unacceptably harmful to the rural landscape'.

"My site has full tree cover to every boundary, unlike the other site approved in 2013,” said Emma.

"The original access point that we put forward was to the eastern corner of the site.

"CWAC made us adopt the access road to the centre, which compromised the site and led to this very weak reason for refusal."

A council planning officer's report on the application said: "The proposed development of a new tourist accommodation providing eight holiday lodges is considered to be unacceptable in the open countryside location.

"The proposal site is located away from identified sentiments that provide a good level of services and facilities.

"As a result, any holiday maker would rely heavily on private vehicles to access these.

"As result of the type, design and layout of the proposed lodges, as well as the formal access and associated tree removal, the scheme would also result in harm to the wider rural landscape."

The appeal will now be considered by CWAC.