ALTERATIONS to plans for a £60 million office park in the grounds of one of Wilmslow's former grand country houses have been given the green light.

Although a fully designed scheme with planning permission is already on the books Rok Development has refinied proposals to produce its vision for Stamford Lodge, Altrincham Road, once owned by millionaire brewery boss, Henry Boddington, and later taken over as headquarters for Ceiba Geigi and Huntingdon Life Sciences.

The latest plans for the offices include a four per cent reduction in floor space, approved by Macclesfield Borough Council's planning committee.

There is to be one three-storey building instead of three and two car parking decks instead of three, with fewer parking spaces - 608 compared to 675 previously.

The development, which will start later this year, includes demolition of former laboratory buildings and redevelopment of the site for office buildings.

As part of the scheme the historic Stamford Lodge will be refurbished, primarily for offices, and its gardens landscaped.

Jonathan Conway, of Rok Development group, told councillors: "We are new to the North West market but in the last two years Rok has got a £160 million pipeline of work around the region.

"We also work very closely with the community and we like to feel we are moving with the times. The plans for the office park have been amended to move with the times.

"Stamford Lodge has been vacant for several years and it is an eyesore. We hope to bring it into active use. We want to create something innovative in the region and enhance it. That is why we have the catchphrase 'escape to the office'.

"Wilmslow Office Park will feature a unique combination of beautiful and high quality working environment, with a great location and excellent transport infrastructure."

In its biggest deal yet, Rok Development, Manchester, bought the Wilmslow site in December from Legal and General for more than £10 million.

A recycling centre, roundabout and bus stops on Altrincham Road and pedestrian access to the Bollin Valley are featured in the plans.

Councillor Colin Shepherd, for Wilmslow Morley and Styal, said: "At the end of the day it will remove what is an eyesore at the moment. I am happy to recommend this for approval."

The site is in a spectacular natural setting in the green and surrounded by the heavily wooded Bollin Valley Conservation Area.

The development and its buildings have been designed to sit in harmony with the woodland setting and include a range of sustainable and energy saving features.

The demolition of the existing buildings on site and the start of the first phase of new building is expected during 2007.