Concerns over plans to bulldoze fire-hit Cheshire property and 'cram' four homes on site

Plans to demolish a fire-damaged property in Wilmslow and replace it with four detached homes look set to proceed despite concerns from councillors and nearby residents.

Altin Home Ltd has applied to demolish the locally listed Mulberry House, along with a cottage on the site off Alderley Road. The proposal would replace the buildings with four new homes.

Cheshire East Council’s northern planning committee raised concerns about the scale of the development and its effect on the area. However, councillors were told there was no valid reason to refuse the application that would be likely to withstand an appeal.

Nearby resident Holly Bennett told the committee that the development would affect her property directly. She raised concerns about privacy, residential amenity and the protection of trees, saying some of the proposed homes would overlook her house and garden.

Ward councillor David Jefferay also submitted written objections. He cited what he described as the cumulative over-development of the site, potential harm to the character of Donkey Lane, the loss of Mulberry House as a recognised heritage asset and the impact on protected trees.

Councillor Fiona Wilson said she remained unconvinced that the scheme would not amount to “cramming” too many homes into a small space. She said the proposal was “massively” different from what currently stood on the site and would affect nearby residents.

Councillor Brooks said the council would have little prospect of defending a refusal at appeal and proposed accepting the planning officer’s recommendation.

The committee agreed to delegate the application back to planning officers for a decision once outstanding matters involving design, ecology and trees have been resolved. Any approval would be subject to appropriate conditions.

Five councillors voted in favour of the recommendation, one voted against and four abstained.

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