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

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

The application, which was approved by Cheshire East's northern planning board on Wednesday (April 12), comes two years after an earlier proposal to convert the bungalow into seven supporting living apartments was refused by the council and the subsequent appeal dismissed.

Ward councillor Nick Mannion (Lab), spoke against the scheme, and told Wednesday's meeting not much had changed with this latest application.

"What was once a small detached bungalow, set in its own ground in harmony with its surrounding residential neighbourhood, will be swallowed up by a block of six flats, shared communal facilities, staff quarters and a car park," said Cllr Mannion.

He said the proposal would result in a loss of privacy and amenity to existing properties, there was an issue with car parking because the spaces would not accommodate a minibus, and the proposed development would be overbearing.

Cllr Mannion, who is a committee member, then left the room and took no further part in the debate or vote.

Neighbour Roger Gleave said the development would directly overlook his property 'leading to a direct, drastic loss of privacy and amenity'.

He described the proposal as 'an unsightly monstrosity of an already overdeveloped small plot', argued it does not fit in with family homes in the area and 'will radically and adversely alter its character'.

"In its previous refusal, the planning inspector said it would have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area," Mr Gleave told the committee. "It's a gross over-development of a small and cramped site on a previous single-storey, three-bedroom bungalow."

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

The application, from Ivy Lane (Macclesfield) Limited, 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 committee heard from the applicant's agent, Hayley Knight, the residents would be adults with learning disabilities and there would be 24-hour care, including waking night cover.

Regarding parking issues, she said there would be no need for minibuses for the residents.

Macclesfield councillor Alift Harewood (Lab) proposed the application be approved.

"I think the fear of who the residents will be have dominated the conversation because the proposals for adjusting the building itself has been done, but that fear remains," she said.

Some concerns had been raised about noise, but Cllr Harewood said: "I don't know why they should have more noise than the neighbours that are there now."

Cllr Lesley Smetham (Gawsworth, Con) agreed and seconded the proposal be approved.

Wilmslow councillor David Jefferay (Ind) said: "The difficulties have arisen through the lack of engagement."

He added: "In terms of noise etc and the concerns of it being a different use, it's still a residential dwelling, it's not as though it's going to be a pub or a takeaway."

Cllr Tony Dean (Con) told the committee: "We have a facility like this in Knutsford, although a lot larger, and there hasn't been a single complaint whilst I've been a councillor."

The application was unanimously approved, subject to conditions.

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