Plans to convert a Macclesfield church into apartments and an HMO have been recommended for approval despite the site having four parking spaces instead of 18 required by council policy.

St George's Street Baptist Church, which was built between 1873 and 1874, closed as a place of worship three years ago.

Elivi Property Group wants to convert it into eight luxury apartments and a six-bed HMO (house in multiple occupation).

Cheshire East planners have recommended approval saying, 'the provision of additional housing in a sustainable location is welcomed in the absence of a five-year housing land supply'.

But ward councillor Ashley Farrall (Ind, non-grouped) has called-in the application, meaning it will be considered by next week's northern planning committee instead of being decided by officers.

One of the reasons for his call-in is concern about the potential impact on parking, traffic and residential amenity.

The planning officer's report to the committee states: "Based on the development proposed, the scheme would require 18 parking spaces…

"The application proposals would be 14 spaces short."

The church was built between 1873 and 1874 (Credit: Nub News)

The report says the council's highways officers undertook a parking survey, over two days in August between 6pm and 8pm, and on the surrounding terraced streets there were 30 parking spaces available on each of the survey days.

The report did acknowledge 'there are a number of caveats to this survey', including it was undertaken during the summer holidays, 'so it's likely to be quieter than at other times in the year'.

It continued: "The council's highway's officer has raised no objections following the outcome of the parking survey."

Macclesfield Town Council has objected to the application saying the provision of the six-bedroomed HMO results in an overdevelopment of the site.

Ten letters of objection have been sent from residents opposing the application and one letter of support.

Objections include highways concerns, overdevelopment, loss of privacy and overlooking.

The supporter said the application would re-purpose a heritage asset and that, although parking provision is not to standard, it is more than the majority of other dwellings in the area where there is a heavy reliance on on-street parking.

The planning officer's report states: "Given that the building has been vacant for more than three years, the heritage benefits of its re-use is afforded significant weight."

The northern planning committee meeting takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday, October 1, at Macclesfield Town Hall.