THE future of a community swimming pool for the town is hanging in the balance after a dramatic u-turn by the borough council.

Congleton Borough Council is planning to alter the designated use of land off Centurion Way and remove the housing allocation.

As a result developer Jokaro, which has outline planning permission for two separate developments and had agreed space for housing, a swimming pool, supermarket and other community facilities, is now reconsidering its proposals.

Without the money generated by the housing allocation it is unlikely the company will be able to develop the site.

Nigel West, a director at Jokaro, said: "I'm extremely disappointed by the u-turn of the officers of the council.

"Now they believe that the site should be developed for employment - which means no community benefits.

"Any hope of a swimming pool in Middlewich will be dead."

The proposal has also angered Middlewich town councillors.

Clr Dave Sutton, Middlewich town mayor said: "This decision was agreed by the executive which hasn't come into power yet.

"Again they've made a pretty important decision without opening it up to full council.

"It would have been nice if someone had at least asked me what my thoughts are."

Middlewich town councillor Chalky White said: "This is the most important issue for residents of Middlewich and Holmes Chapel in that Congleton Borough Councillors are going to back a decision which goes against everything they've told the public in Middlewich and Holmes Chapel for the past two years."

Gavin Clarke, principal planning officer, said: "The land was originally outlined for housing with commercial use, in reviewing the local plan a number of brownfield sites were found which we felt were more appropriate for housing development."

Mr Clarke confirmed that there had been no contact with anyone from Middlewich regarding the proposed change of use but added: "The original local plan went out to consultation and we had about 2,300 representations, many of which were from people from Middlewich.

"If the council agrees to the recommendations then that will go out to consultation when people will have the opportunity to comment."

The final decision on the proposal now rests with a meeting of the full council on May 24.