Landmark Chester school building looks set to be turned into apartments
A landmark former school building in Chester could be converted to apartments if plans are given the go ahead.
Cheshire West and Chester ’s planning committee meets tomorrow where it is recommended to back an application by Grosvenor to convert St Mary’s on Overleigh Road in Handbridge into nine apartments.
The building was constructed in the late 19th century and sits next to the Grade II* listed St Mary Without-the-Walls Church. It was previously home to a school and then Overleigh Children’s Day Nursery but is now redundant. Planning documents state St Mary’s is designated as a ‘building of townscape merit’ and has been designated as ‘critical’ to the character of the area in a council study.
The proposed work includes demolition of modern extensions and ancillary buildings, along with the erection of two storey and part single story extension. There would be a mix of one, two and three bedroom flats and an 11-space car park.
The application has been called in by ward councillor Razia Daniels due to concerns over lack of parking.
Recommending approval, a report to the committee said: “The proposed development is acceptable in principle given its location within the Chester settlement boundary. It would result in social benefits including the provision of new homes and the local economic benefits associated with the carrying out of the conversion works.”
Several objections have been received citing concerns over lack of affordable housing, lack of sufficient parking and concerns over highways safety. Letters of support were also received, citing things such as bringing a disused building back into use and promotion of sustainable housing.
The report added: “Furthermore, the design of the proposed development sees an historic building retained and reused, would respect and enhance the character and appearance of the original building and the surrounding Conservation Area, and overall would result in no material harm to the significance of heritage assets.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow (Tuesday) at Ellesmere Port Library Committee Room, at 4pm.
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