Plans to turn The Cave in Macclesfield into apartments look set to be turned down for a second time because the proposal would not provide adequate living conditions for future occupiers.

Cheshire East refused an application in 2024 to partially demolish the premises on Mill Street to provide 10 one-bed apartments, and the subsequent appeal was dismissed.

Mohammed Yasir has since re-submitted an amended application for the empty property, which was once a cinema but more recently has been used as a bar.

It is due to be considered on Wednesday, August 19, by the northern planning committee after being 'called-in' by ward councillor Liz Braithwaite (Lab).

Cllr Braithwaite has objected, saying: "As far as I can tell none of the reasons for the refusal and appeal dismissal have been adequately addressed by the application."

The planning officer's report to next week's meeting says: "The proposed development would convert the rear of the building into 10 apartments on two floors.

"The access to the apartments would be from Duke Street with a small part of the building being demolished to enable steps down to a new entrance to be created."

Macclesfield Town Council says it would welcome the building being brought back into use but feels this is over-development for the site.

Cheshire East environmental protection officers have recommended refusal due to insufficient information to assess the impact of development in relation to noise.

Six nearby businesses have objected to the proposal citing the potential harm to the viability of existing businesses that form part of Macclesfield's night-time economy.

Dukes Court holds full premises licences permitting trade seven days a week from 10am to 3am.

The bar owners say the viability of these businesses is heavily reliant on the absence of nearby residential dwellings, allowing them to operate responsibly within the framework of their licences without causing undue disruption.

The planning officer's report says: "The proposals would bring a vacant unit back into use and would support the vitality of the town centre and provide one-bedroom units of residential accommodation into a highly sustainable location.

"However, the accommodation proposed is not considered to result in a good quality of accommodation for future occupiers as a result of a poor outlook and natural light.

"Furthermore, insufficient information has been submitted which adequately assesses the impact on future residents from existing commercial development in the locality in terms of noise and disturbance, and any subsequent impacts upon the existing businesses…

"Overall, it is considered that the proposal would still not provide adequate living conditions for future occupiers with particular regard to outlook, light, internal space and noise and disturbance."

The application has been recommended for refusal and will be considered by the northern planning committee at Macclesfield Town Hall on Wednesday, August 19.

The meeting starts at 10.30am.