PLANS for an eco park with 61 'igloo style' timber holiday lodges have been unveiled to save a Cheshire pub from closure.
The Kilton Inn in Mere, near Knutsford, hopes to develop a new tourist attraction on land beside the pub and Casa Mere Hotel on Warrington Road.
Plans recently submitted to Cheshire East Council also include a farm shop, post office and solar farm.
The pub says the proposed development at Hoo Green, surrounded by Bucklow Hill Lane and Warrington Road, is vital for its survival.
In a design and access statement, Baldwin Design Consultancy on behalf of AG Blue (Cheshire), said: “Facing challenges in recent years, the pub has had to reduce its trading hours due to escalating costs and evolving customer behaviours, putting it at risk of closure, which would be a loss for the local community.
“To ensure the viability of this historic establishment, the proposed scheme aims to enhance footfall and trade volume.
“Plans include adding 61 holiday lodges, along with a farm shop and post office to restore local amenities and stimulate economic growth and tourism, thereby generating employment opportunities in the area.”
The Kilton Inn boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century.
The pub derives its name from a locally renowned horse, Kilton, which clinched victory in the Knutsford Gold Cup of 1796, under the ownership of Thomas Lanford Brooke, of Mere Hall.
The holiday cabins would be supplied by Iglucraft, a company that specialises in designing and crafting sustainable wooden structures.
The company was selected for their sustainability as well as their material composition and organic build form which would be ‘sensitively knitted’ into the surrounding site.
The proposed cabins can provide one to three bedrooms and incorporate insulation materials that help reduce heat loss and energy efficient windows and doors that maximise natural light.
Designed to integrate with nature, the cabins have wooden frames and are fully insulated with spruce panelling on the walls and hard wood-framed double glazed windows.
Inside, there is laminated flooring for a modern touch and awning windows in the bathroom and bedrooms provide ventilation and a connection to the outdoors.
The statement adds: “Offered in four muted colours inspired by nature, the palette reinforces the cabins’ natural feel and sustainable ethos.
“Using timber ensures the cabins blend seamlessly with the environment.
“The approach enhances the overall tourist experience and showcases the development’s commitment to sustainability.”
Three ponds will provide habitats for a diverse array of flora and fauna.
An outdoor amphitheatre will create a stage for performances and events.
A communal fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating will offer visitors a place to unwind and socialise.
A farm shop will be clad in horizontal wooden slats providing a ‘warm, inviting look that compliments the eco-friendly ethos of the development’.
Space will be created inside to accommodate a post office.
A solar farm is proposed to generate electricity for the holiday park, farm shop and electric car charging points.
The statement adds: “This mixed use development aims to create a sustainable, eco-friendly destination that benefits the local community, supports environmental goals and enhances the natural landscape.
“By combing commercial, leisure and recreational elements, the project promises to deliver a holistic and harmonious addition to the area adjacent to the Kilton Inn.”
The application, 24/2950M can be viewed on the Cheshire East website.
The closing date for submitting comments is September 26.
A decision is set to be made by the planning committee in November.
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