A developer is seeking permission for a second time to bulldoze a historic vicarage in Handforth and build a replacement along with four homes.

Thomas Jones and Sons applied for full planning permission for a similar scheme five years ago on the site of St Chad's Vicarage on Sagars Road.

That application was refused by Cheshire East in September 2024 on the grounds 'the loss of the original historic building and its replacement with the erection of four buildings would have a detrimental effect on the general character and appearance of the locality'.

The council's planners also said the earlier proposal would result in a loss of light and have an overbearing impact on a property next door.

Now the same developer has applied for 'permission in principle' to demolish the existing vicarage and build four new homes and a replacement vicarage.

At the time of writing, three neighbours have raised concerns about the proposal.

One said: "The plans submitted are no different to those of the previous application 20/44621M which was refused.

"Our objections remain the same. It is of note that, in the intervening years since the last application was rejected, there has been no attempt to consult with ourselves regarding a resubmission of the plans."

'Permission in principle' is an alternative way of obtaining permission for housing-led development.

The first stage (or permission in principle stage) establishes whether a site is suitable in principle, and the second (technical details consent) stage is when the detailed development proposals are assessed.

Following a grant of permission in principle, the site must receive a grant of technical details consent before development can proceed.

This latest application, number 25/0911/PIP, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The last date for submitting comments is Wednesday 7 May 2025.

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