Disused site to become an ambulance station

A DISUSED brownfield site in Macclesfield can be brought back to use as an ambulance station.

The location, on Beech Lane, Macclesfield, has stood empty since a car showroom closed and the buildings were cleared.

Now planning permission has been given for West Midlands Ambulance Service to use it for non-emergency transport for patients attending Macclesfield Hospital.

The development will be able to accommodate up to 17 ambulances and 34 staff. There is also permission for an office, shower room, kitchen facilities, storage room and toilets on site.

But planning consent for the base only lasts until 2025 – anything further would need additional permission.

Any external lighting installed would also need separate permission.

In granting planning permission officers at Cheshire East Council produced a report which said: “Whilst the site is located in a predominantly residential area, it’s most recent (and lawful current) was for car sales. For these reasons, the proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle.

“Owing to the distance to the closest residential buildings it is not considered that any harm to amenity would arise.”