THE vacant Brook Street Club in Knutsford is earmarked for a yoga and wellness studio as part of plans to renovate and refurbish the building.

The property is a detached period building, formerly a Liberal Club and most recently used as a snooker and comedy club, and is believed to have been built in the early 20th century.

The building is within the Legh Road Conservation Area and has been assessed as a Building of Townscape Merit.

Mr and Mrs Owen from Mobberley are seeking planning approval from Cheshire East Council for the renovation work at the building, which has been empty since April 2019.

A report with the application said: “The building is in a dilapidated and deteriorating state after a lengthy void period and in need of a programme of extensive repair and refurbishment.

“The applicant’s intention is to renovate the existing structures, maintaining the building’s original form and layout and modifying ancillary/welfare accommodation for compliance with current building regulations.

“The proposed building use will be a yoga/wellness studio at ground floor level and private office space at first floor level. The basement level will be repaired and refurbished as storage space.

“There are no extensions or additions to the property planned, the works predominantly focus on repair and restoration of the building.

“The predominant feature of the building is the Brook Street facing façade. Currently the ground floor window openings are boarded up, and have been for many years.

Knutsford Guardian:

Boarded-up ground floor windows

“On internal inspection the hidden window frames are visible. It is the applicant’s intention to install replacement timber windows of an identical format adapted to accommodate triple glazed units for sound insulation.

“The proposed works are not considered to have any significant impact on neighbouring amenity and outlook.

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“The re-occupation and proposed restoration of the building will enhance the amenity of neighbouring occupiers by improving outlook due to restoration of structures and reduce their security risks which are currently elevated by a void property.

“The proposals will enhance the street scene through the restoration and enhancement of the road-facing facade.

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“The proposals are considered appropriate to the nature of the property, sensitive and proportionate to its historic relevance and in compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

“They will also preserve and maintain the use of a local historic building for decades to come.”