A social landlord's plans to bulldoze 44 bungalows in Bollington and replace them with 77 affordable homes has been recommended for approval by council planners.

Peaks and Plains Housing Trust says a structural survey revealed the 44 one-bedroom social-rented bungalows located off Crossfield Road and Kent Avenue are exhibiting 'age-related deterioration'.

Its application to demolish the properties and replace them with affordable homes is due to be considered by Cheshire East's northern planning committee on Wednesday, September 30.

A report from the council's planning officer to next week's meeting states: "The applicant has stated this evidence indicates that the buildings are approaching the end of their reasonable lifespan without significant intervention.

"As a result, the application proposes the comprehensive redevelopment and regeneration of the site with a mix of housing types, all of which would be 100 per cent affordable.

"The new homes would also continue to be managed by Peaks and Plains Housing Trust."

The proposal is for nine bungalows, 35 two-storey houses and 33 apartments, which would be three storeys in height.

The apartments and bungalows to the south of Crossfield Road would be dedicated to the over 55s.

Bollington Town Council has objected to the scheme, as have 79 residents.

The town council's concerns include the loss of bungalows, a 'fundamentally flawed' transport strategy and, it says. the application does not adequately address the cumulative environmental impacts of the wider development.

Regarding the loss of bungalows, the town council states on the planning officer's report: "Housing Policy H4 explicitly supports development that meets the needs of an ageing population, including homes for downsizing.

"This proposal does the opposite – it removes 44 bungalows predominantly occupied by older residents and replaces them with family housing…

"Reducing the supply of housing for older people prevents downsizing, which in turn restricts the release of larger family homes elsewhere in the town."

Objections from Bollington residents include concerns relating to the proposed density, the introduction of houses and apartment blocks where bungalows currently exist, potential overdevelopment, and whether the proposal would be out of keeping with the character of the area.

The report from Cheshire East's planning officer says the proposal is for 100 per cent affordable housing and replaces a scheme at the end of its economic life.

It says: "The site is in a sustainable location, and the land is previously developed.

"The proposed scheme is of a high-quality design, with an appropriate landscape scheme."

And it points out Cheshire East does not have a five-year housing land supply.

The report acknowledges the scheme conflicts with policy because 'the open space is not surplus to requirements, nor is it being replaced with equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality'.

But it adds: "These adverse impacts do not amount to a substantial adverse impact that would outweigh benefits of approving development."

The northern planning committee meeting takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall on Wednesday, September 30, at 10.30am.