MULTI-million-pound plans for The Courthouse in Knutsford are being supported by town councillors.

Flat Cap Hotels plans to turn the jail cells at the former law courts into boutique accommodation and open further original rooms in its second phase of renovating the grade II listed property.

The renovation will also include a major refurbishment of the restaurant and bar, to allow for safe social distancing, plus new outdoor areas including a feature rooftop terrace.

Flat Cap Hotels took over the building in 2016 and completed the first phase of its conversion in 2018, creating 60 full and part-time jobs.

Planning approval for the latest work is being sought from Cheshire East Council, and the scheme was considered by Knutsford Town Council’s planning committee on Monday.

Cllr Mike Houghton said: “It’s an excellent evolution of the building, and the more we can get organisations like this investing in the town centre the better.”

Cllr Peter Coan said: “This is a vast improvement over what was there originally. Anything we can do now that’s in keeping with these two-star listed buildings to encourage people to support the town centre’s vitality and viability has to be applauded.”

Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “It’s an important building in the town. Its continued use is important, and at a time when we cannot guarantee that companies that are trading in the town will be able to survive the current situation, the fact that somebody is willing to invest their time and money in the town is something we should be encouraging.”