A key Macclesfield site described as a 'massive blot on the landscape' is to be re-developed for homes and a couple of shops.

Cheshire East's northern planning committee today (Wednesday) approved an application for a 45-apartment block, together with two ground floor retail units, to be built on the site near the former Old King's Head pub at Chestergate.

Ward councillor Ashley Farrall (Lab), speaking as a visiting councillor, urged the committee to approve the scheme.

"The original design when it was first submitted was a bad design and I commented as such," he said. "I worked with the applicant… suggesting ideas on how they could incorporate design aspects which would be sympathetic to the conservation area. I believe the revised plans do demonstrate that now."

Cllr Farrall said the site had been derelict for more than 20 years and was a 'blight on the town centre'.

"This is the best application we've had here for the last 20 years and I think it would be difficult to get a better design," he said.

Councillors were told the usual 30 per cent of affordable housing would not be provided because of viability issues. The usual contribution towards education would also not be coming forward.

Planning officer Rob Law told the committee: "Having had it independently appraised [for viability] we, as officers, agree that the site wouldn't be brought forward if we were asking any more of it in terms of planning obligations."

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Macclesfield councillor Nick Mannion (Lab) was one of several who praised Cllr Farrall for the efforts he had made with the proposal, saying it 'has come a long way since the original'.

Cllr Mannion welcomed the proposed development and said: "This site is horrendous. It's suffered from infestations of rats etc… and it's also been a focal point for anti-social behaviour. I believe, since the structure's been made safe, there's also been some fires within and it is used for drinking and also rough sleeping."

He added: "Chestergate is a lively, thriving part of the town and this is a massive blot on the landscape."

Bollington councillor Ken Edwards (Lab) said: " It will be, in my view, of enormous benefit to the town centre and to Macclesfield and the general community to see this site developed."

Cllr Fiona Wilson (Macclesfield, Lab) said this area of the town 'is very much in need of this development'.

"This building very much, I believe, combines the modern with the historic in terms of its design," she said, adding: "Putting accommodation of this nature in a very popular area of Macclesfield, I think, is something we should welcome."

Wilmslow councillor Michael Gorman (Ind) raised concerns about the type of heating which would be installed and was told by Mr Law it could be conditioned so that the developer would hold further talks with officers about the scheme providing at least 10 per cent of its energy from renewable or low carbon sources.

The application was approved, subject to conditions, with 11 councillors voting in favour and one abstaining.

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