Plans to build heavenly homes
PLANS have been submitted for new homes that should prove a heavenly place to live - on the site of an abandoned vicarage.
Purcell Developments want to build eight houses at the former St George’s vicarage, in Davenport, which has stood derelict for 15 years.
It follows two years of studies by the developer to assess how to regenerate the site, which has been vandalised and fallen victim attacks.
The vicarage itself - a Grade II listed building will be demolished to make way for the three and four bedroom homes, which will be four terraced and four semi-detached.
James Sanderson, development director, said: “We have carefully assessed all the opportunities to save and develop the listed building, but the vicarage is in such a poor state of structural repair that unfortunately its restoration is not financially viable.
“We have designed high to arson quality new family homes to transform the site. Each building is carefully positioned to respect the relationship of the site with the magnificent Grade I listed (St George’s) church.
“This includes opening a new view of the church’s western elevation and its spire.”
A planning application was submitted to Stockport Council last month following public consultation.
The council is now undergoing a consultation period that ends on January 9 with a view to making a decision by spring.
Since the vicarage became empty the site’s owners, the Chester Diocesan Board of Education, have spent £225,000 on repairs and security at the site to keep vandals at bay.
If given the go-ahead the development would come with car parking and landscaping.
Purcell representatives have the backing of the church and have also had discussions with nearby St George’s Primary and Historic England.
Subject to planning permission being granted the development will be completed in summer 2018.
Reverend Canon Elaine Chegwin Hall, from St George’s, said: “I have been delighted to be part of the discussions with Purcell Developments as they have explored their vision for the former vicarage site.
“I am pleased to support to this project and know that many members of the community are pleased with the plans.”