Cheshire East Council (CEC) has approved plans for Macclesfield Town Football Club's (MTFC) new stadium as part of a wider regeneration scheme for the town.

Leisure and retail facilities form part of proposals for the South Macclesfield Development Area, which could feature an arts and entertainment space. MTFC chair Mike Rance said: "The proximity of the soon to be capped landfill site to the development represents a real opportunity for us.

"Not only would we like to utilise the open space to provide much needed community sports facilities but the renewable energy potential of the landfill is substantial." In addition to the proposed 7,000-seat stadium, a sports complex also features as part of the plans for the South Macclesfield site to complement a rejuvenated town centre.