Yahoo News New plans to turn Chester country club and spa into homes gets go-ahead
Fresh plans to convert a former Chester country club and spa into new homes has been given the go-ahead. A revised proposal to alter, extend and convert the Grade II listed Old Hall Country Club and Spa on Aldford Road, Huntington, was rubber stamped by Cheshire West and Chester Council this week.
The venue closed its doors for good during the pandemic in late 2020. The following summer, both full and listed building consent applications were lodged by Alchemette Chester Ltd to build nine houses and four apartments.
Those plans were rubber-stamped in February last year, but it emerged that a fresh proposal by the same applicant to build 10 two-bed houses and two two-bed apartments instead had since been submitted. This week, the new scheme was given the green light by planners.
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In a report recommending approval, council case officer Bethan Armstrong states: "Works have commenced on site under planning permission. This application seeks to combine two of the units into one - 12 units overall instead of the previously approved 13.
"There are two private residences adjacent to the two barns at the centre of this application which are accessed through the same entrance. However, they are not proposed for development as part of this application."
The report concludes: "The proposal represents a sustainable re-use of redundant buildings to create 12 residential units. The 12 units also ensure an alternative use to the heritage asset and one that would secure its retention as well as future investment.
"Subject to conditions, the alterations proposed to the building as part of the scheme still retain the agricultural character and respect the wider rural landscape. Having regard for the three elements of sustainability - economic, environmental and social - the scheme is considered to represent sustainable development."
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