A forestry business which carries out work at the likes of Delamere Forest, Tatton Park and Dunham Massey has had plans approved to turn a former dog kennels into its new HQ.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning department rubber-stamped proposals for the former commercial dog boarding kennels at Twin Acres off Hulme Hall Lane in Allostock.

There are two existing buildings on the site; a dwelling plus a commercial storage shed, with up to 28 dogs at a time previously being catered for. Under the new plans, the shed will now provide secure storage for the applicant's specialist machinery and equipment and the dwelling will be used for office and staff welfare facilities.

The forestry company offers site clearance services, forestry management and machinery hire.

A planning statement submitted in support of the plans, said: “They are looking to secure a sustainable use for the site and are seeking to re-use this existing commercial site as a base for their business.

“The business uses a small fleet of cutting-edge machinery and equipment that will be securely stored within the two larger buildings on the site. The majority of employee roles are peripatetic (working off site) in nature, although support staff will be based in the proposed office.”

As well as the general forest/woodland maintenance for clients, they also attend emergency call-outs at woodland sites, providing management/removal of dangerous trees which are posing a threat, especially those in close proximity to public footpaths and roads, often during storm events.

The report added: “The basis of the applicant’s business is forestry and they have been employed at Tatton Park for the past 10 years to manage and maintain the significant woodlands there as well as managing woodlands in Congleton.

"They also have a significant woodland management project for Forestry England at Delamere Forest due to commence imminently and have also recently tendered for a large woodland management job in Chelford, which they are hopeful of starting in the spring.

"Smaller forestry jobs include woodland management tasks in Kermincham, Rode Heath and Dunham Massey.”