Plans for a 74-bed care home on a derelict brownfield Macclesfield site have been recommended for approval.

Torsion Care Ltd wants to build the home, together with 25 parking spaces, on the site of the former Towers and Progress Mill off Parsonage Street.

Cheshire East had previously granted permission for a Lidl store on the site in 2018 but that was never built.

Next week councillors will be asked to give the go-ahead for the care home which would provide residential care for older persons in need, as well as specialist dementia patient care.

A report from the council's planners to next week's meeting of the strategic planning board states: "The principle of the proposed development is found to be in accordance with the development plan and would deliver one-bedroom spaces in an appropriate highly sustainable location.

"The delivery of 74 bed care units would help relieve an identified unmet need including the provision of specialist dementia care and would also add to the council's housing land supply."

Parsonage Street (Credit: Google Maps)

It says the proposed design would be contemporary in terms of its appearance and the use of materials 'but would loosely reflect the mill-like character that the area is known for'.

"It would provide an attractive form of development in an important area of Macclesfield and would respond positively to the Park Green and High Street conservation areas as well as other adjoining designated heritage assets having regard to the vacant unkempt nature of the site and previous buildings/uses."

The site is presently vacant, as the former Towers building was bulldozed years ago.

Vehicular access to the home and its car park will be off Parsonage Street.

The officer's report states: "A total of 25 car parking spaces is proposed, including four electric vehicle charging spaces and three accessible spaces which is below the recommended Cheshire East Council standard for C2 use based upon likely staff numbers.

"However, this is a town centre site which is readily accessible and there is a public car park opposite the site."

The application is recommended for approval subject to conditions and a S106 agreement to secure £52,762 towards improved health infrastructure facilities at Waters Green Medical Centre, Macclesfield.

The strategic planning board meeting takes place at 10.30am at Crewe Municipal Buildings on Wednesday, May 28.