Jobs could be lost and businesses closed as a garden centre near Macclesfield faces an uncertain future.

Flora Garden Centre at Henbury looks set to be redeveloped to provide 14 homes and a new commercial unit which would house the existing business.

Cheshire East Council's planning officers are recommending the northern planning committee approves an application to redevelop the Flora Garden Centre site on Chelford Road when it meets on Wednesday (September 14).

The residential part of the scheme would comprise three five-bedroomed properties, four four-bed, four three-bed and three one-bedroomed homes.

The commercial unit, of approximately 181 sqm, would include a shop and communal dining space; an open-plan space to accommodate Flora to consolidate its existing retail operations; two food stalls; communal seating to be open to the public; toilets; outdoor seating and 16 parking spaces.

There would also be a landscaped area incorporating an orchard, meadow and edible garden, all with a footpath.

In a report due to go to Wednesday's committee meeting, the planning officer states: "The application seeks the demolition of the existing built form and the erection of 14 dwellings, including four affordable dwellings, and a small commercial unit that will consolidate much of the existing site's business in its place.

"It is assessed that the scheme would not have a significant impact upon the openness of the Green Belt and, as such, is deemed to represent appropriate development in the Green Belt and is subsequently deemed to be acceptable in principle."

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The planning officer states the site is within reasonable distance from a moderate proportion of public services and close to a regular bus service which links the site to various larger urban centres.

He adds: "The provision of the commercial unit on site is deemed acceptable in this rural fringe location as the commercial use is already established and the proposals simply seek to consolidate their existing operations.

"The development would be of a design that mimics a farmstead arrangement in this rural fringe location which works well. The development results in no issues in relation to amenity, highway safety, landscape, tree, ecology or flood risk and drainage concerns, subject to conditions where applicable."

Seven residents objected to the scheme originally and, following a revision and re-consultation on this latest proposal, two representations have been received.

Among these are comments that the revised scheme represents an improvement in terms of the removal of the access onto Pepper Street and a more compact commercial unit but there are still concerns about the design and scale of the proposed affordable housing.

Other concerns include claims of inadequate parking for the commercial unit; the increase in traffic is likely to exacerbate the nearby, existing busy junction and the impact on local services such as school places.

Henbury Parish Council has raised concerns relating to highways over parking provision, deliveries and the additional access point.

The application is recommended for approval subject to a S106 Agreement to secure contributions towards education and open space provision.

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The northern planning committee meeting takes place at 10am on Wednesday, September 14 at Macclesfield Town Hall, should the public wish to attend.

The Chelford Road site includes a café with commercial sized kitchen, which also welcomes independent celebration cake maker Courtney's Cakes.

Flora Garden Centre have been contacted for comment.

The under-threat site is located on Chelford Rd, Macclesfield SK11 9PG.

The application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council planning website.

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