Plans to convert a former Crewe town centre youth hub into flats and a retail outlet have been approved with conditions - following a decision from Cheshire East Planning.

Developers Sencap Limited first submitted an application to Cheshire East Council on March 1 for the former Cheshire East Council Youth Support Service hub, Market Street.

Sencap Limited will convert the empty town centre buildings into nine apartments across the first and second floors.

Resubmitted plans were approved yesterday (May 12).

An example of what is planned. How the second floor is proposed to look (Cheshire East Planning).

The existing reception area from the youth hub will be made in to a ground-floor office space.

One apartment would be based in former hub offices on the ground floor - along with bike and bin storage.

First-floor offices would be converted into four apartments. Another four flats would be constructed on the second floor, with communal lounges on first and second floors.

A resident of Kipling Way, Crewe, objected to the proposals, saying: "Unless I'm reading the plans wrong it appears that the commerical unit will have no sanitary facilities.

"How can that be thought to be an acceptable working environment for anybody?

"Allowing it in one development drags down standards in the future.

"It needs to be highlighted that this building has zero outdoor space - the back door opens onto the double yellow lines of the lane behind, even putting out weekly bins requires use of that lane."

The Youth Support Service hub closed during the first lockdown (2020) - severely affected from water damage during summer storms.

The premises, which previously provided careers advice and services for older teenagers, has not reopened since.

The Crewe resident added: "The front of the building is within the zig-zag zone of a zebra crossing. How will vehicles and skips used during the conversion process be accommodated?"

The development site, 23-25 Market Street, Crewe - formerly Cheshire East Council Youth Support Service hub (Cheshire East Planning).

On April 28, the developers resubmitted the proposals with small changes - including added storage for 12 bikes.

SP Architects carrying out the work said: "The proposed layouts ensure all habitable areas receive good levels of natural light.

"All apartments meet nationally described space standards. The proposed change of use will enable the building to be returned to active use thus help to secure its long- term future / maintenance and positive contribution to the character and sustainability of the area."

Crewe Town Council objected to the proposals on a number of grounds, including over development of the site and a lack of internal natural light.

The council also believe that the development effectively represents a HMO. It sees the accommodation as low-quality, with room sizes below the minimum standard for this type of development.

Within the planning documents it reads: "Members agreed that the proposal does not represent the aim and ambition for quality homes in Crewe."

Case officer for the development, Gemma Horton, concluded: "Based on the relevant assessment of criteria there is no reason or legitimate basis to withhold approval.

"The proposal is deemed to adhere with the requirements of Class MA, Schedule 2, Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended), subject to conditions.

"As such, prior approval is required and approved."

The developers Sencap limited, will now have to apply to Cheshire East Planning Department for a determination as to whether the development will impact a range of factors.

The Youth Support Service hub closed during the first lockdown -2020 (Google).

This includes transport and noise pollution, whether there are any contamination, fire and flooding risks and whether there is enough natural light within the apartments. Other issues are also to be examined.

Works on the site will be allowed to take place from 8am until 6pm Monday too Friday and from 9am until 2pm on Saturdays.

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