Macclesfield's silk history is set to become more accessible to everyone, should a new planning application be approved.

The Silk Museum has applied for listed building consent for the creation of a large new opening in an internal wall to link two rooms and associated works to improve accessibility.

They will achieve this, in part, by - rehanging existing doors.

Macclesfield Nub News contacted Grade-II listed The Silk Museum for comment, and a spokeswoman promptly replied.

"The planning application relates to the creation of a new studio space with disabled access to 200 years of silk patterns," she said.

"This project would breathe new artistic life into the beautiful, listed building, which was Macclesfield's first Art School opened in 1877, now home to the town's unique collections.

"The project addresses the risk posed by unreliable environmental controls that threaten 1000 pattern books, the largest such collection in the north, and valuable textile collections. It would also provide a better environment for our staff and visitors."

"The project brings 17% more space into public usage without expanding the building footprint, to welcome a wider range of under-served visitors."

"The project would Improve collections' display & storage conditions, install modern racking systems, and improve lighting. It would create a new, accessible, dedicated ground floor creative space 'the Jacquard Studio', converting inaccessible and disused back-room spaces, moving collections out of a temporary store."

"This allows us to upgrade a flexible 117m sq exhibition space on the first floor and to Install a new environmental control system with LED lights throughout the building to reduce energy consumption, improve conditions for collections, visitors, volunteers, and staff."

"We would be able to widen doorways, install assisted doors, improve signage, purchase flexible height tables & table-top handlooms for new creative workshops."

No representations from the public has been left so far.

Residents can leave comments on the plans until June 5 - and read them via this link.

The planning application comes days after Macclesfield's Silk Museum was awarded £165,000.