Plans for a mixed use development on land to the rear of 75 Hawthorn Street have been approved.
The site is currently used for the overnight storage of removal vans and the storage of salvaged items.
The scheme includes the demolition of some of the existing buildings and erection of a two-storey block that will house four two bedroom apartments along with eight parking spaces and four cycle spaces.
The plans also include changing the use of the remaining buildings to retail with a café which will occupy about 33% of the area - allowing for an additional income stream to the proposed A1 use.
Wilmslow Town Council's Planning Committee recommend refusal of this application on the grounds that this area is already very congested with parked vehicles, a problem which this development could well exacerbate.
Three letters of objection were also received, concerns raised included insufficient parking, a danger to pedestrians using the pavement, living and storage space is not adequate for the apartments and the café would harm other business in area.
However, the case officer concluded "In such areas, residential development is generally expected and the change of use from an industrial building to a café is of no concern as this is a sustainable location with good access to public transport links. The use of a café in this location would add economic benefits to the area through employment opportunities and would add to the vitality of the area.
He continued "The proposed buildings are proportionate and in keeping with other surrounding properties and are set sufficiently back from the highway to not appear dominant or crowd the street scene. The layout is appropriate and the position of buildings would assimilate well in the wider context of the area. The scheme would bring into use a large area of hardstanding and associated buildings with a well designed scheme which would improve the appearance of the area."
The houses on Hawthorn Street that directly front the site are owned by the applicant, who plans to rebuild the outriggers to increase the distance between the residential block and their rear walls and remove any windows facing the new development.
The planning application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 16/0345M.
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