Plans to demolish a building over 220 years old to make way for houses has been rejected by Cheshire East Council.

Demolition was sought for the two-storey former Macclesfield Sunday school on Townley Street / Charlotte Street, so it could be turned into houses.

The plans also hoped to replace a smaller ex-residential building to make room for the proposed eight three-bed houses.

Planning permission was granted in 2019 for a similar proposal on the site, but it expired so a new application was put through. However, it has been rejected this week by Cheshire East Council.

A planning document revealing the rejection states: "The proposal to alter this former school by demolition and replacement would result in less than substantial harm to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area."

"Additionally, the setting of the nearby listed building will be altered by the introduction of alien features within their setting, also resulting in less than substantial harm with its footprint encroaching closer to the Grade II Listed Building.

"There are no public benefits that exist that are deemed to outweigh the harm in this instance and overall, a net loss of heritage value would occur.

"Therefore, the development is considered to be contrary to policies regarding designated heritage assets.

"The proposed development would also result in the creation of a poor quality and cramped living environment for the future occupiers both internally and externally.

"The dwellings would have a low level of natural light and limited outlook making these spaces less pleasant areas to enjoy and there is not an appropriate quantity and quality of outdoor private amenity space. As such, the proposals would have an unacceptable impact on the future occupiers amenity."

Seven members of the public submitted their comments, five negative ones, raising concerns of flooding, an anti-historical design, and a desire for the plans to be apartments instead of town houses.

Planners did indicate that a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) should have been submitted as part of the planning application for this development.

A neutral observer wishes for the 'Sunday School building to be restored to its former glory'.

Macclesfield Town Council objected to the proposals for beoing 'out of character for the local area', as well as requesting an archaeological report. But they did recognise that the area would 'lend well to apartments'.

The Town Council were also concerned with parking. No parking spaces were provided with the plans.

In a summary of the reasons for denying approval, a planning officer called the plans an "unsympathetic, contemporary, modern design."

The site has been vacant for 14 years.

It is not yet known if the applicant, The Old Sunday School Townley Street Ltd, will submit another application.

The plans can be read in full HERE.