A remote farm near Macclesfield where the owners are diversifying into tourism is among five projects to benefit from a rural funding programme in Cheshire East.
Both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils have worked in partnership to issue ‘Leader’ grants of almost £274,000 to aid nine rural businesses under the government’s Rural Development Programme for England.
The money has helped to create more than 39 full-time jobs since it was introduced in Cheshire a year ago.
A grant to Whitelee Farm, in Wincle, will enable the owners to set up a tourist accommodation with the purchase of two luxury ‘shepherds huts’.
Emma Heald, who submitted the grant application on behalf of the farm, said: "When looking to the future of the farm, a big challenge we faced was how to fund the initiatives needed to create a sustainable family business for future generations."
Councillor Janet Clowes, cabinet member for rural affairs at Cheshire East, said: "The Leader programme is uniquely positioned to help a wide range of rural businesses and organisation in Cheshire East, owing to its locally-delivered nature.
"It is extremely encouraging to see the diverse range of projects that have been approved for funding in the programme’s first year."
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