A log cabin business near Ellesmere has received the backing of councillors despite calls from planning officers for refusal.

Steve Jones had resubmitted his proposal for three log cabins at Winston Farm in Tetchill.

But it again received objections from the Canal and Rivers Trust and Shropshire Council’s conservation officer because of the impact they felt it would have on the adjacent Llangollen Canal and a nearby grade II-listed bridge.

But local member Brian Williams said: “There is nothing unique about this stretch of canal.

“This recommendation relies heavily on the opinions of officers, the CRT officers and the conservation officers. But there are no factual reasons.

“In my opinion the cabins would fit in very well.”

Planning officer Philip Mullineux told members: “I fully appreciate building chalets goes hand-in-hand with diversification but that needs to fit in with the landscape.

“Officers have concerns about the impact on the surrounding area and the canal, and the proposed landscaping will take substantive years to grow.”

However, members disagreed with the recommendation.

Councillor Steve Davenport said: “It is only three cabins; we’re not talking about a large site. If a condition was made that it is just the three cabins I can’t see it being a big issue.

“This is the biggest canal in the UK, it is the M25 of canals. We have a great countryside and people want to see it.”

Cllr Vince Hunt added: “With the turbine that is up there, new houses, and one house that is even closer to the grade II-listed bridge, looking at everything around it I have to say I’m finding it difficult to agree with the officers.

“In my opinion, it wouldn’t probably negatively impact my view of the countryside.”

Members approved the application with conditions to ensure it is suitably landscaped.