A pub shut for a few years is now set to be knocked down for residential use.

The Golden Lion on Moss Lane is to be replaced with supported housing apartments.

Once a regular haunt for Silkmen supporters, a buyer for the pub was sought in 2022, for £450,000.

But fast-forward to January 2023, plans were submitted for a 'much needed mental health accommodation service'.

And now, those proposals have bene granted.

The pub building will be demolished and replaced with a two storey building to create 13 one bed self-contained specialist supported apartments. 

The development will come with five parking spaces.

Both Town and borough councillors agreed with the need for such an accommodation.

However, some neighbours expressed discontent.

A Moss Lane resident said "I strongly oppose the proposal to demolish the Golden Lion pub and convert it into supported housing apartments."

"Over recent years local residents have been subjected to increased air and noise pollution caused by the ongoing building works (New homes) in the immediate area.

"As a neighbour I am also concerned that these apartments will further contribute to increased local traffic at unsociable hours.

"I also have concerns on how this will impact the already limited parking spaces on the road opposite the Golden Lion.

"Furthermore who will be residing in these apartments? Mental health covers a large variety of issues. There is a school in close proximity. Will any of the residents be a potential threat?

"I am sure the people advocating this development are not local resident."

A planning officer responded to some of these qualms in a planning document which read "Residents have questioned the suitability of this site and the future occupiers. However, as detailed above, this is managed specialist accommodation with staff on hand to assist."

"Potential damage to neighbouring boundaries and properties during construction is a civil matter.

"Residents are concerned about the potential for asbestos, however this is a matter covered by other legislation."

As construction now able to commence, works can take place from Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Macclesfield Town Council supported the project for its use of a building 'empty for some time' and recognised the 'need for this type of accomodation'.

The full - now approved - plans can be read HERE.