Nature reserve owner praised during appeal

By Kelly Harris
A Congleton man has fought for the future of his non-profit making nature reserve, at a hearing that will decide its fate. On Tuesday Leo Deen, who runs the Timbersbrook Project on Pedley Lane, appealed against an enforcement order issued in February by Cheshire East Council, telling him to close it. The reserve, which attracts hundreds of children each year, is home to several exotic species of animals, but was never granted planning permission by either the former Congleton Borough Council or Cheshire East. Mr Deen's project, on green belt land, was last refused permission to be used for educational and recreational purposes two years ago and until earlier this year neither council had attempted to enforce that decision. Congleton Town Mayor Coun David Brown, speaking at the hearing, said Mr Deen "had demonstrated quite considerable effort into the site to grow and enhance it."

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