Plans to extend and convert a Macclesfield property into six supported living apartments for adults with learning disabilities have been recommended for approval.

The house, on Ivy Lane, is currently vacant but was most recently used as a children's home.

A previous application, from Ivy Lane (Macclesfield) Limited, to convert it into seven supporting living apartments was refused by the council's northern planning committee in 2021. The subsequent appeal was dismissed.

This latest proposal, from the same applicant, is due to be considered by the committee next Wednesday (April 12).

The Ivymeade plans will be voted on next week. (Image - Google)

In a report due to go to that meeting, the council's planning officer says: "The reason for the previous appeal on this site being dismissed, which related to the flat roof dormer window, is considered to have been addressed in this latest submission."

But ward councillor Nick Mannion (Lab) doesn't agree, stating 'significant concerns' have been raised with the latest application.

In his 'call-in' letter, Cllr Mannion says the proposal represents over-development of the site, the mass and scale of development will adversely affect amenities of surrounding properties, the design is not in keeping with the current street scene and surrounding locality and there is inadequate parking provision.

He adds: "The planning inspector drew the following threefold conclusions: the harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, the proposals would conflict with the development plan policies of Cheshire East Council and there were no other material considerations which would outweigh the conflict."

Macclesfield West and Ivy's Nick Mannion, as photographed by Cheshire East Council.

Macclesfield Town Council has objected and 21 local residents have sent letters to Cheshire East opposing the scheme.

The application is for six separate residential living units where each occupant would have their own kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom.  A communal kitchen, dining and living facilities room is also proposed.

The council's planning officer says in the report: "It is proposed there will be 24-hour care including waking night cover with a dedicated staff office on site. Carers would not live at the property, however they would provide assistance to occupants such as budgeting, shopping etc.

"The applicant reiterates the proposals have been developed to meet a specific need. The proposals have been reviewed by Cheshire East Council's adult social care department who confirm their support of the proposals which would provide for future demand for individuals with learning disabilities."

Cheshire East Council's Westfields HQ in Sandbach.

The officer has recommended the application be approved stating: "It is considered that the reduction of the proposal's size, scale, volume and massing through the removal of the previously proposed flat roof dormer… has successfully addressed the sole reason to which the inspectorate refused the previous appeal, with regard to impacts on the character and appearance of the area."

The northern planning committee meeting takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall at 10am on Wednesday, April 12.

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