COUNCILLORS could grant approval on a planning application to build a 60-bed care home in Wilmslow — despite mass opposition from members of the public.

The application, for Manchester Road, seeks to demolish two existing detached houses and construct a two-storey facility with parking for 33 cars.

However, while 153 public comments have been made on the plans via Cheshire East’s online planning portal — and an objection was lodged by Wilmslow Town Council — CEC planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved.

The town council's letter of objection said: “Wilmslow Town Council recommends refusal of this application on the grounds of overdevelopment of the site within a low-density area and being contrary to Policy NE6 of the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan with regards to garden development.

“The development is out-of-keeping with the streetscene, particularly in terms of mass. The proposed parking provision is of poor design, insufficient and contrary to Cheshire East Council's policy in respect of care home parking provision.”

Other objections, from neighbours, raise concerns that the plans are ‘not in keeping with the current streetscape and will dominate the surrounding area’.

One residential objection added: “This is a completely inappropriate development for Manchester Road — supposedly one of the Green Avenues into Wilmslow. It is a residential area not a commercial area.

“I assume this is the proposed plan that was first tried in Handforth and then on Handforth Road. Now they are trying again.

“The on site parking is totally inadequate... there will be ambulances as well as staff and visitor parking — so it will cause an increase of cars on Manchester Road which is already a safety issue with all the cars avoiding car park fees [in town].”

Planning officers, in justifying recommended approval, said: "The development will provide suitable accommodation to enable an ageing population within Cheshire East to live full independent lives for as long as possible.

"It is considered that the proposal would make a valuable contribution towards housing for elderly people within the borough, as well as continuity in their care, which is a material consideration."

The proposals will be discussed at Cheshire East’s northern planning committee on Wednesday, November 4.