THE owners of a former pub in Knutsford have submitted plans to build a two blocks of flats on the site.

The Oaks on Mobberley Road shut its doors for good in June 2013 after its owners Punch Taverns sold the building to property developers.

It was put on the market in November 2012 at a price of £450,000, but Punch managed to sell the building for £300,000 later than month to Lancashire-based Oak Tree (Construction Design and Management), according to official land registry documents.

An application was submitted to Cheshire East Council for the redevelopment of the site for a residential retirement complex comprising 14 apartments. The scheme comprised four two-storey apartment buildings with roof gardens, ancillary communal and social facilities, and associated car parking.

But before it went to committee the application was recommended for refusal and the application was withdrawn prior to the meeting to allow the applicant to address the council’s concerns.

The owners have now come back to the council with plans for 13 apartments, which will not be restricted to those of retirement age.

In the planning statement Oak Tree said the new plans would comprise a gated community of 13 one and two bedroom apartments provided within two two-storey detached apartment buildings. There will be open space, along with 23 car parking bays, including 2 disabled bays.

The planning statement added: "The delivery of 13 market dwelling units will assist in meeting a number of Cheshire East’s identified strategic challenges including the provision of housing to support future economic growth, ensuring a better balance between the supply and demand for market housing of this type, and contributing to the delivery of overall market housing.

"The planning, design and access statement submitted with the subject application demonstrates that the proposals comprise a high quality development. The site has good connectivity with an established residential community and is accessible to a number of local services and facilities, including bus services."