Councillors have given the go-ahead for an apartment block to be built on the site of an Alderley Edge house which was gutted by fire.

Cheshire East's northern planning committee was unanimous in deciding that the fire-ravaged Oaklands on Wilmslow Road, should be bulldozed, together with the neighbouring Old Coach House on Horseshoe Lane, and replaced with 14 flats.

Ward councillor Craig Browne said, in a letter read out at yesterday's (Wednesday 3 October) meeting, that a number or residents objected strongly to the proposal.

He said a scheme of this size should provide five affordable homes on site and asked: "Why, therefore, is an off-site commuted sum of just £246,500 being accepted?"

Ward Councillor Craig Browne pointed out that a number of residents had objected to the proposal (Cheshire East Council).

He also asked how many affordable homes this sum would be expected to deliver in Alderley Edge.

Alderley Edge parish councillor Vince Fogharty raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing as well as highways issues.

He told the committee: "This lane [cobbled Horseshoe Lane] is unsuitable for heavy construction traffic, does not provide safe pedestrian pathways, thereby posing a significant risk to residents."

Alderley Edge parish councillor Vince Fogharty raised safety concerns about the plans (Cheshire East Council).

Applicant Brian Spencer said he had approached all local registered providers of affordable housing and none were interested, hence the off-site financial contribution.

"Registered providers unfortunately, but understandably, do not find it practical or workable for affordable units within this block," he said.

Mr Spencer said the access off Horseshoe Lane, rather than using the Oaklands access of Wilmslow Road, had been agreed with the council's highways officers.

He assured the committee he would restore Horseshoe Lane to its original state after construction work had finished.

Congleton councillor Sally Holland (Con) said: "Oaklands, is completely derelict, it's significantly beyond repair.

"I think 14 apartment dwellings here is a good use of the site."

Congleton councillor Sally Holland thinks the plans are a good use of the site (Cheshire East Council).

Cllr Ken Edwards (Bollington, Lab) said: "I think the cobbled road is a challenge but, broadly speaking, it does seem to me a sensible way of developing this particular site.

"It has been carefully designed."

Cllr Nick Mannion (Macclesfield, Lab) proposed the scheme be approved and this was seconded by Cllr Holland.

Cllr Judy Snowball (Macclesifled, Lab) asked that everything possible be done to protect wildlife, particularly hedgehogs on the site.

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