Former St John Ambulance training building set to be converted into housing

Plans to convert a 19th century building 'of architectural merit' into a five-bed dwelling have been approved.

23 High Street in Macclesfield, most recently used as offices and training facilities for St John Ambulance, is set to be brought back into residential use.

While the building is located within the High Street (Macclesfield) Conservation Area, it is not 'statutorily protected' as a listed building and is therefore not a designated heritage asset.

In a report recommending the application be approved, Cheshire East Council case officer Rob Cooper wrote: "The principle of the use is acceptable, and the external alterations would not impact on the conservation area.

"There would be no significant impacts on character and appearance, living conditions, highways or heritage. The proposal accords with the relevant policies of the development plan."

In a heritage statement included in the application, Patina Building Conservation estimated that the two-storey, semi-detached building was constructed 'between 1850 and 1874.'

Originally built for domestic use, in 1986 it came to house the offices of the local National Farmers' Union.

The building was then used by St. John Ambulance from 1988 to 2025.

Last summer, the Georgian-style building was vacated and sold at a Savills Property Auction for £310,000.

The neighbouring former St George's Church of England School building, constructed in 1835 (Credit: Hannah Cochrane)

Patina Building Conservation highlighted that the property is surrounded by a number of listed buildings, including the former St George's Church of England School, constructed in 1835.

The heritage statement adds that the proposed plans 'largely maintain the building's external appearance, whilst the alterations enable the building to be brought back into residential use and therefore have a residential character to them.'

Furthermore, the proposed external changes to 23 High Street are of a 'minor nature' and have a neutral impact on the setting of the nearby Grade II Listed former school and houses.

The plans include replacing windows, installing new windows, removing a garage door and a rendered panel, and reroofing the building to convert it into a home.

Liz Braithwaite, councillor for the Macclesfield Central ward, objected to the proposal, raising concerns about parking provision, potential use of the building as a house of multiple occupation and impacts on the conservation area.

However, submitted plans show there will be two off-street parking spaces provided to the rear, and a survey showed the plans would have a 'neutral impact' on the conservation area.