RESIDENTS are up in arms over plans for a restaurant-café building on land in Holmes Chapel, with dozens objecting to the scheme.

Mark Cooke is seeking planning approval from Cheshire East Council to create the building on land next to 5 Macclesfield Road.

The land consists of an old public toilet block and undeveloped residential amenity space.

The proposals are for a small-scale restaurant/cafe and serviced office above, and comments on the scheme, reference 20/1943, can be submitted on the Cheshire East planning portal, until June 18.

Residents voiced concerns about the impact of the plans on businesses in the village, the lack of parking and the site’s nearness to a double roundabout.

One of the objectors said: “I feel sorry for the Italian restaurant, especially at a time like this, and the impact it's having already on them.

“They need all the support they can get to reopen, not have a competitor right in their back.”

A Manor Lane resident said: “Where on earth are these diners going to park, let alone the staff?

“It's the most ridiculous application I've ever seen in Holmes Chapel, so I must raise an objection on the grounds of vehicular access coming onto a busy double roundabout.”

A Middlewich Road resident said: “The plot would have been ideal for the Italian restaurant, Don Alberto, to have an al fresco dining area at the rear.”

A Danefield Road resident said: “There are already several eating places within 150 metres of the proposed cafe/restaurant site.

“I don't think there is the capacity to support another food establishment.

“I am also concerned that access to the proposed cafe/restaurant will be very restricted and dangerous since there are two mini-roundabouts in front of the proposed site.

“I agree the present disused building looks unsightly - perhaps give the land to Don Alberto and they can create a patio area.”

A resident from Glossop said: “Building here will have a direct impact on my family's business, and therefore the livelihood and welfare of my family members would be at stake if this planning permission is granted.”

An Arran Close resident said: “This project is extraordinary. The site is small, there is no provision for vehicular access, even for deliveries, nor is there provision for parking.

“The site is on the edge of a very busy and often dangerous road junction. Furthermore, Macclesfield Road is, at this point, narrow and almost constantly used by large vehicles.”

A Portree Drive resident said: “This application will cause havoc to the village because the access to the site is limited and only goes out on to a very busy roundabout. It also impacts on local businesses that are already there.”

A Braemar Close resident said: “The application neglects to mention any other similar businesses already in the village, not to mention a wide array of takeaways and sandwich bars.

“In light of the current dire economic situation the country faces, it would seem short-sighted to believe all of the existing businesses of this type might survive.

“So it would be a very brave person who would be willing to take such a risk on a business of such a small size that it would presumably have to be constantly packed to stand a chance of making any sort of profit.

“Far better would be to extend the village green in The Square into this location and issue a permit to Don Alberto to use it as an outdoor eating area, if not parking, to support their business.”

A resident from Armistead Way, Cranage, said: “Don Alberto has provided an excellent service during lockdown, and would be better deserved of this space in order to support existing businesses at this difficult time, rather than establish new ones.”