Plans have been submitted to convert an office block into apartments to provide homes for key workers at a world-renowned site in Macclesfield.

Alderley Park, the top UK life sciences campus home to industry-leading enterprises in science and research, could soon host housing for those who work there.

Alderley Park Limited has applied to Cheshire East Council for permission to change the use of Block 26 on the Nether Alderley site from office space to residential accommodation.

The plan is to create 109 key worker housing units comprising a mix of studio and one-bed apartments across all five storeys of the building.

A tranquil pond on Alderley Park's vast campus. The pond is also used for research by Manchester university students. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The application is in compliance with a Section 106 legal agreement to provide key worker housing at Alderley Park.

The agreement is connected with the development of 50 dwellings at the Walled Garden and Kitchen Garden, which states key worker housing is to be provided in building 26.

The new homes would be rented by employees who have a combined household income of less than £50,000 a year.

A letter, submitted by Avison Young Ltd on behalf of the applicant, states: "Of the 109 units, 35 will be one-bed apartments and 74 as studio apartments.

"In addition to each unit having its own dedicated kitchen and bathroom facilities, residential ancillary space is also provided on the ground floor including cycle storage, residential lounge, reception and foyer."

It adds: "The proposals represent a highly beneficial re-use of a partially vacant building and which will allow for the provision of much needed key worker homes which would ensure Alderley Park maintains its status as one of the UK top five locations for life science research and development by hosting some of the UK's leading science, technology and innovation expertise.

"The proposals have been thoroughly assessed against local and national Green Belt policies as well as individual assessments for technical considerations of air quality, energy, noise, flood risk and drainage and highways and transport all of which have found there to be no reasons for refusal.

"It is concluded that the proposals will deliver significant benefits to Alderley Park and the borough generally."

Companies such as AstraZeneca are based there, who employ over 700 at Alderley Park. The site also has an NHS treatment site, and is located on Congleton Road.

The application, number 22/3506M, is due to be considered by Cheshire East Council's strategic planning board on November 23. A final desicion is wanted by December 1.

Macclesfield: You can read more about it here and the last date for submitting comments is October 12.

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