Cheshire East has approved a scheme to convert barns close to Crewe for residential use - with one councillor saying the proposal would be an improvement on what was already there.

The application was for the part demolition, conversion and extension of the range of buildings at Baddiley Hall Farm, Baddiley Hall Lane, Nantwich.

Three dwellings will be created, along with the separation of Chestnut Cottage from Baddiley Hall Farmhouse - providing an additional separate house.

The residential application was approved at Crewe Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, on Wedneday - November 2 (Ryan Parker).

Members of the council's southern planning committee were told on Wednesday (November 2), they were considering the scheme, rather than it being delegated to a planning officer.

This was because the applicant's agent is related to a staff member in the council's development management service.

Planning officer Daniel Evans told the committee: "Conversion of barns and former agricultural buildings is considered to be acceptable in principle providing they are permanent and substantial buildings.

"As long as they do not require extensive alternations or extension, so the barns are clearly brick buildings and it is something we tend to approve under delegated powers."

He added: "There's a number of objections from residents who live on the lane, largely on highways grounds, and largely due to the condition of the lane – in terms of the condition and maintenance of the lane, that's not a planning matter."

Cheshire East Council's southern planning committee on Wedneday - November 2 (LDRS).

He said there were no objections from the council's highways officer in terms of other road implications.

The committee heard that, with regard to ecology, the main issue concerned bats, but that had been mitigated and a section of the barn was being retained as a bat roost.

Committee chair Andrew Kolker (Conservative), said he noted the scheme had the support of the parish council, 'which is encouraging to see'.

Haslington councillor Steve Edgar (Conservative), moved the application be approved.

"There aren't many planning applications where I think it would be an improvement, but looking at the dilapidated state of the barns I think this would be a good project," he said.

"I'm very happy that the bats are being protected and future protected."

Haslington Conservative councillor, Cllr Steve Edgar, moved the application be approved (Cheshire East Council).

Crewe councillor Anthony Critchley (Labour), seconded the move to approve.

The committee was unanimous in approving the Nantwich application.

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