A developer wanting to convert a Macclesfield office block into flats has reduced the number of dwellings by a third after a previous application was refused earlier this year.

Cheshire East's northern planning committee turned down the application in June, to convert Marburae House on Athey Street into what one councillor described as, six 'pokey' flats.

Applicants Harry and Vinny Edwards and Taylor have now submitted a new scheme to convert the building into four apartments.

A design and access statement submitted by Jay Ashall Partnership on behalf of the applicants, states: "The revised proposals have reduced the number of apartments within the building in response to the committee members' comments and previous reason for refusal of over-development of the site and a substandard level of amenity, providing larger apartments to provide additional amenity space for occupants within each apartment."

The central Macclesfield site pictured on Google Street View. (Image - Google)

It adds: "Following previous comments from the local planning authority, plot four has been designed to locate all habitable accommodation on the first floor to benefit from the natural daylight from the windows to the western façade of the building.

"A communal designated and secure area for cycle storage is provided… A small outdoor terrace area has been provided at street level to the front of flat one."

The scheme also now includes an internal amenity/garden space to the centre of the building for use by all residents, which is naturally lit from the openings at high level.

With regard to parking, which had also been raised at the June meeting, the planning document states: "The development and change of use of the building is being promoted as a car-free development due to its central location within Macclesfield town centre and the wealth of shops, services and public transport available in the immediate locality.

"On-road parking is currently used by staff and visitors to the building under its current use. It is proposed that these spaces would be used by future residents."

The application, number 23/3702M, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The last date for members of the public to submit comments is November 1, 2023, and the application is due to decided by a planning officer under delegated authority.

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