50 new homes in town centre go before planners
ATTEMPTS to make Macclesfield a town centre living destination have received a boost with plans for another 53 new homes across four sites.
Three of the planning applications are newly submitted and are for 14 town houses at the site of the Arighi Bianchi Fountain Street warehouses, 14 homes at Cuckstoolspit Hill, and at Canal Street, where there would be 10 house and four apartments.
Another planning application seeks to make amendments - such as additional bedrooms and parking - to an already approved scheme for eight houses and three apartments at Paradise Street.
These follow other already submitted schemes for the town centre including 84 homes approved for Craven House, with developers Huntsmere Ltd interested in adding another 24 via additional storeys.
And the two King’s School sites that will be vacated by its move to Prestbury are earmarked for around 200 homes, including a retirement village for around 90 people.
When speaking about Craven House, Macclesfield councillor Liz Durham said: “We want to expand town centre living but we need to be cautious how we do it.”
At Fountain Street the site’s previous use as a chemical works has led to fears of possible contamination in the ground that would need to be mitigated.
As part of the consultation council enforcement officer Rebekah Norbury said: “Currently, we would recommend refusal on this application as we are aware of a former metal works and chemical works on the site.
“As the site is proposed for a more sensitive end use, we would require a minimum of a phase I preliminary risk assessment.
“The application may require contaminated land pre-commencement conditions.”
As part of the development, by Silkdale Living, the warehouses would be demolished and any operations moved to Arighi Bianchi’s Adlington site.
The Canal Street scheme - from the same applicant - would bring back to life an area that currently contains a car park and two industrial buildings that are all disused.
Part of the two applications is a report by Band Architects, which says of both: “The site does not present any logistical problems with regard to the construction of the development.
“We believe the proposals will enhance the setting and value of the surrounding properties as well as increase employment for local labour during the works.”
Regenda Group is the applicant for the Cuckstoolspit Hill development, which would comprise of eight three-bed houses and six one-bed apartments.
It is thought the site was previously used as a salt store by the council.
A report by Halsall Lloyd Partnership, submitted with the application, states: “The project will assist in providing the ever growing housing demand of the area and also enhance its surrounding built environment.”
Other town centre developments approved include plans by Peaks and Plains for 67 homes at Park Green and proposals at Goodall Street for seven town houses and a sevenbed care facility.