Cannock Chase trekking centre plans to expand are backed
The expansion of Cannock Chase Trekking Centre to help cope with record visitor numbers has been given the go-ahead.
A new visitor centre will be built along with new stables at the popular horse riding and trekking centre based off the main A34. The scheme will also create two new jobs.
Members of South Staffordshire Council approved permission for bosses to extend the centre, which has been operating for 17 years, at a meeting last night.
There are currently 44 horses at the stables for trekking activities across beauty spots on the Chase.
It is also used by schools and colleges for organised trips as well as offering students work experience.
As part of the work the existing stable is being demolished and replaced with an Amercian barn-style building for 46 stables, tack storage, medical store and drying room.
The new visitor's centre will include a meeting room, outdoor viewing area, toilets, medical room, kitchen and office area.
The site currently has a a mix of six full and part time staff and the scheme will create two full-time posts.
The application was put forward last year after owners had received a record 17,000 visitors within 12 months. It lies within green belt but no objections were lodged by Natural England or ramblers groups.
Councillor Jeff Ashley raised concerns abut the size of the buildings on the site and their long-term presence if the centre was to ever finish.
But he said he broadly supported the centre's plans, adding: "For someone to go into this private enterprise in these difficult economic times has to be applauded."
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