Plans to convert Manchester Road shop into offices refused

Plans to change the use of a retail premises at 26 Manchester Road to create offices have been refused.

Wilmslow based Mather & Co were seeking permission to convert the Kids Exchange shop, and storage area above, into offices and extend the building at the rear to create additional space to support the company's expansion.

The scheme includes demolition of the existing rear outrigger and replacement with a part three storey, part single storey rear extension with alterations to the roof space. Additionally changes to the front elevation would be made to replace the shopfront with a new entrance and windows.

The existing property is 131.9 sqm, across all floors, and the final building would have been 222.6sqm overall.

However, Cheshire East Council refused the plans on the grounds that the proposed extension would be a dominant, visually intrusive feature and would overwhelm the proportions of the existing building.

Additionally, it was considered that the proposal would fail to make a positive contribution to the area's character and identity, as a result of scale, form and external design features plus it would fail to be sympathetic to the local character.

The plans can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 20/3052M.

Tags:
Manchester Road, Planning Applications
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Rick Andrews
Tuesday 2nd February 2021 at 5:26 pm
Lots of empty office space available in Wilmslow now. Why build more. Good decision.
Ian Kennedy
Wednesday 3rd February 2021 at 2:58 pm
Agree 100% with Rick and there will be a lot more empty offices post-Covid as companies realise that staff can work from home.
Paul Millett
Wednesday 3rd February 2021 at 5:05 pm
I'm not a fan of the illustrations but if Mather & Co own the freehold why would they want to move offices if they might be able to extend. Lets be honest as well it's far too late to worry about much architectural integrity in Wilmslow.
Marc Staples
Wednesday 3rd February 2021 at 5:57 pm
It will never be an office the planning permission for one is merely a smokescreen for the investor. Build a few really nice offices with there own self contained kitchen areas and bathroom\ toilet and let it stand empty for 2 years . Put in planning for change of use as its not being used and change it into several top quality apartments with a penthouse on the top and bingo great location to Wilmslow and the train station to London and Manchester with parking and you have made a few quid . They must think we grew up yesterday
Adam Bower
Monday 8th February 2021 at 9:06 pm
It should not require a 'smoke screen' to put apartments here. The town centre needs more people living centrally so that there is a requirement to use the local shops. If the plan is to have apartments here, they would probably get it as there is less of a requirement for parking spaces with apartments. The town centre, regardless of Covid, is shocking in both its architecture and its offering. Fresh eyes are required to generate a buzz and encourage town centre living and usability. It would be bonkers to have even more office space - especially now that the work dynamic has altered towards working from home.