Plans to replace a former care home with a block of apartments are set to be determined by the Northern Planning Committee next week.
Mirasa Wilmslow, who own the 0.23Ha site set back off Adlington Road, are seeking planning permission to demolish a two storey detached building used as a care home known as Hillside, along with an outbuilding to the rear. The proposal is to construct a replacement building containing 11 apartments.
The new residential development will consist of a two storey block containing 10 two bed and 1 one bed apartment with 21 car parking spaces and 10 cycling spaces.
Wilmslow Town Council objected to this application on the grounds of it "being overbearing on neighbouring properties and its construction being out-of-keeping with properties in Wilmslow Park, contrary to Policy TH4 of Wilmslow's Neighbourhood Plan. In addition, the Town Council's Planning Committee expressed concerns regarding how refuse collections would be undertaken."
Amended plans were received during the application period - 22 objections were received prior to the amendments with a further 8 objections received following, with all of these commenters having already commented earlier.
The main issues raised were: an apartment block is not in keeping with the area, the site is overdeveloped, design of the building is not in keeping with the character, the building is on a larger footprint, future pressures on the protected trees which will overhang car parking spaces, parking provision is inadequate and the proposed position of the refuse collection could lead to safety issues along Wilmslow Park North.
The Planning Officer is recommending the application for approval at the meeting of the Northern Planning Committee on Wednesday, 11th March, concluding "comments from the neighbours and town council are noted, however the site comprises previously developed land in a sustainable location, with access to a range of local services and facilities nearby and has good public transport links.
"It would add to the stock of housing and its construction and occupation would result in social and economic benefits, albeit relatively minor. The development would make effective use of a previously developed site.
"The proposal also raises no significant design, amenity or highway safety issues."
A previous application (reference 16/6225M) submitted in 2016 by Jones Homes for the demolition of the building and the construction of a new three storey building providing 14 apartments was refused in March 2018.
The application was refused because the proposed development would result in the loss of protected trees which was considered unacceptable because of the impact upon character of the area; the proposed three storey structure represented an overdevelopment of the site and it would lead to a loss of light and privacy for the neighbouring property.
The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 19/4862M.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Looking forward to members of the Northern Planning Board objecting again to an application that seeks to enhance profit by stretching the boundaries of planning legislation and guidance.
This is why RoW is so important to me, WNP too.
We agree with your comments on this inappropriate Wilmslow Park planning application.
Of course, Summerfields Village residents are used to Cheshire East Planning recommending approval of developments
"... of total bulk, that are out of character, design and impact upon surrounding homes."
More's the pity that the new, more independent Northern Planning Committee (NPC) weren't making the final decisions then.
Kind Regards,
Paul Roue.
Hillside needed money spending on it, money the owner did not have, this was down to bad management and the owners divorce.
Why can’t those that we elect to run our lives and set standards for what is PROPER and JUST get on with doing the right thing?
Peter Davenport