Councillors have given permission for a major pensions firm to use green belt land as a car park – even though they have flouted planning laws for two years.

Royal London has been using the land at its Alderley Road site as a car park since 1997 when it was first granted temporary permission.

There have since been renewals to the temporary permission, the last of which expired in 2010.

But the pensions company has continued to use the gravel-laid car park and Cheshire East has not enforced its removal.

The company finally stopped using it in August.

The latest application sought permission to use the 100 spaces for another seven years – while the business implements a green travel plan and encourages workers to use public transport.

Coun Carolyn Andrew said: “I absolutely abhor people who have planning consent, it runs out and they think they can just get away without asking for it to be renewed. I deplore this kind of thing, but I’m not entirely against what’s proposed. I used to represent the area and parking on Fulshaw Park was a serious problem.

“I’m sure residents will appreciate it if this stops the banging doors and revving engines outside their homes.”

Neighbours have objected to the renewal and say the site should be returned to agricultural use. Objectors dispute the argument that staff will park on nearby residential streets without the car park.

This was historically a problem for Fulshaw Park residents but they argue new parking restrictions have stopped the problem.

Stuart Kinsey, from action group Residents of Wilmslow, told the Northern Planning Committee: “Our objections are numerous and well documented.

“This is inappropriate in the green belt and should not be a special case.”

But councillors faced pressure to allow it because Royal London is one of the area’s biggest employers, with 800 staff on site.

Coun Alift Harewood said she was pessimistic the green travel plan will work.

Richard Moffatt, speaking for Royal London, said the company wants to wean staff off cars.

He said: “People who work at Royal London support the local economy by using town centre shops and facilities.

“We need to be a successful business but also a good neighbour. It’s vital there is enough parking so staff do not park on neighbouring streets.

“We appreciate it’s green belt but the travel plan takes time and we’re concerned that three years may not be long enough.”

Councillors allowed a three-year extension but said there should be no further extensions.

They said the company had shown a ‘cavalier’ attitude.

Coun David Neilson said he was ‘staggered’ the renewal had taken so long.

He said: “Now we’re in the position of getting a major employer out of a hole.

“This does not demonstrate a company with good community relations.

“It shows a complete disregard for planning law.”

Another retrospective application for floodlights for the car park was approved for the three years, not to be used between 10pm and 6am.