An appeal has been lodged against Cheshire East's refusal to grant permission for a Macclesfield church to be converted into apartments and an HMO.

Cheshire East's planners had recommended the application to convert St George's Street Baptist Church into eight luxury apartments and a six-bed HMO (house in multiple occupation) be approved, despite the site having four parking spaces instead of 18 required by council policy.

But the northern planning committee went against officers' recommendations and refused the application at a meeting in October.

The reason for refusal was the proposal 'provides insufficient off-street parking and would result in an unacceptable impact on the availability of on-street parking within the vicinity of the site'.

The plans were turned down at a committe meeting in October (Credit: Nub News)

The church closed as a place of worship three years ago.

A representative from Elivi Property Group, told the October meeting: "We purchased the building because we believe it deserves a new lease of life.

"Our vision to convert it into apartments not only protects the future of the building but also respects its character… and also will secure its long-term future."

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Committee members agreed they would like to see the building re-purposed, but said the lack of parking would cause too many problems.

Ward councillor Liz Braithwaite (Lab), who spoke against the proposal at the October meeting, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Monday (December 22) she is sending her objections to the planning inspectorate this week.

Further information about the appeal can be found at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/CaseSearch.aspx quoting the appeal reference APP/R0660/W/25/3375595