PLANS to build 28 affordable apartments on the site of a former sheltered housing complex in Knutsford have been recommended for approval.

Peaks and Plains Housing Trust wants to build the block of one and two-bed flats, together with parking, on the site of the former Winstanley House on Northwich Road.

Twenty-eight of the properties would be rented and six would be shared ownership.

In a report due to go to Wednesday’s (August 10) meeting of the northern planning committee, the Cheshire East planning officer states: “The proposal relates to the erection of 28 affordable apartments in the place of an affordable housing apartment block comprising of 33 units, which has recently been demolished.

Knutsford Guardian:

The former Winstanley House (Google)

“As the application proposal seeks a reduction in the number of units on this site, in a sustainable position, the principle of such a proposal in this location is deemed acceptable.”

Knutsford Town Council has requested more information about a proposed sub-station, referred to briefly in the report.

It has also raised other issues relating to matters such as the traffic assessment and also says there is no assessment of the noise impact.

Six letters of objection have been sent to Cheshire East from residents detailing a number of concerns.

These include fears the development will result in an increase in traffic, particularly on Racefield Road, and claims the insufficient parking provision will result in an overflow of parking on roads.

The council’s planning officer says the application is for housing in a predominantly residential area of Knutsford and, within such locations, development is deemed to be acceptable in principle.

In his report, the officer states: “The site lies adjacent to two conservation areas and, as such, the impact upon the setting of these is a consideration.

“Following pre-application discussions and revisions received during the application process, both the council’s heritage and urban design officers are now satisfied with the latest set of plans, subject to conditions.”

He said, the environmental protection officer has raised no environmental amenity concerns following the receipt of an updated noise impact assessment to consider the impact of any possible noise pollution from the sub-station.

The council’s parking standards policy states a development of this scale should provide 50 spaces. This application proposes only 37.

The planning officer states: “Although the proposals provide a below-standard number of parking spaces, the council’s highway’s officer is satisfied with the level of provision proposed, given that the units are one and two bed only.

“The site is also sustainably located. No concerns are raised in relation to access, traffic impact and highway safety.”

The application has been recommended for approval subject to satisfactory receipt of outstanding consultee responses, a S106 agreement to secure the affordable housing provision and a commuted sum towards healthcare, and conditions.

It will be considered at the northern planning committee meeting which takes place at 10am on Wednesday, August 10, at Macclesfield Town Hall.