Builders' merchants set to be turned into homes despite objections

SC&P Jones, on Buckingham Road, can now be demolished after planning permission was granted by Cheshire East Council.

In its place, two new two-storey homes will be built.

The decision comes despite objections from Wilmslow Town Council’s planning committee.

“Wilmslow Town Council recommend refusal of this application on the grounds of overdevelopment of the site in terms of the proposed scale and massing,” read a comment submitted by assistant town clerk, Helen Richards.

An outline planning application was submitted by architects Jay Ashall Partnership on behalf of the owners of the builders' merchants.

Originally, three homes were proposed however this was later reduced to two due to concerns raised.

Two new homes will be built in place of the builders' merchants (Image: Google Maps)

A revised design and access statement included in the application describes it as a 'suitable and sustainable small-scale development'.

It explains that if approved, the majority of the buildings which form the merchants would be demolished and replaced with two new homes, changing the use of land to residential.

"The properties surrounding the site are predominantly residential in use and would benefit from a loss of a busy builders merchants site adjacent in terms of highways usage, noise and pollution," the statement adds.

In a report recommending the plans be approved, case officer Thomas Higton said: “Overall, it is considered the re-development of the builder’s yard could amount to visual improvement to the site subject to a high-quality detailed design being achieved at reserved matters stage.

“The objection from Wilmslow Town Council and comments from a neighbour on the grounds of overdevelopment in terms of scale and massing are noted. However, these are details which will be considered at the reserved matters stage.

“There are no obvious reasons that an appropriately scaled scheme could not be achieved here.

“A refusal on the grounds of scale and massing would not be reasonable at this stage – as these are not matters sought for approval.”