THE proposed demolition of a number of bungalows in Knutsford will be a ‘crying shame’ for the town.

That was the message from some Knutsford Town Council members at Monday’s meeting over plans from Peaks and Plains Housing Trust to knock down properties in Warren Close.

Plans submitted to Cheshire East Council indicate that the bungalows will be replaced by eight two or three-bedroom houses.

But Cllr Peter Coan insisted the town is ‘crying out’ for more accommodation like the bungalows which could make way.

He said: “The bungalows in Warren Close are basically bedsits – tiny bungalows designed for single person occupation.

“I’ve lost count of the number of people that want their own privacy, they don’t want to live in a sheltered accommodation-type arrangement, they just want their bedroom and TV and to live out the remainder of their years.

“The bungalows in Warren Close provide a perfect solution for the needs of the community.”

“If we demolish these in put in their place another Winstanley House we will deprive so many people of that type of individual accommodation that they can make their own.”

Cllr Stewart Gardiner, mayor of Knutsford, reminded councillors that the town’s neighbourhood plan encourages the retention of bungalows – so any being demolished should be replaced.

Cllr Jan Nicholson, who lives near to Warren Close, admitted she was ‘saddened’ by the plans.

“They are in need of renovation and perhaps insulation but it is a crying shame that the amenity will be lost,” she added.

Peaks and Plains has also submitted plans to knock down Winstanley House, in Northwich Road, to make way for a new three-storey block for 32 one and two-bedroom apartments.

While the housing trust has indicated what could be built in place of the current accommodation, it would need to submit separate planning applications, with CEC only considering the demolition plans at this time.

Peaks and Plains says the current buildings provide ‘inappropriate and outdated accommodation’.

Both new developments would be made available for affordable rent, the trust’s initial plans indicate.

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Knutsford Town Council is due to meet with Peaks and Plains representatives to discuss their ideas for the new developments.

To view the demolition plans, search '21/0238M' for Warren Close or '21/0231M' for Winstanley House on CEC's planning website.