Plans to convert the former Castaways shop in Crewe into an eight-bed HMO have been recommended for approval.

The application to change the use of the West Street property into a house in multiple occupation has been referred to this week's meeting of the southern planning committee after being called in by ward councillor Roger Morris.

The Conservative councillor said, in his call-in letter: "The application has generated a significant level of local interest, and I consider that the planning issues raised would benefit from transparent consideration by planning committee."

He said concerns raised by residents included highway, servicing, parking and operational considerations given its relationship to surrounding businesses, the GP surgery, pharmacy and existing town centre activities.

Crewe Town Council has objected to the proposal arguing it is over-development of the property.

The town council says the proposed layout, internal and external communal areas do not ensure adequate standard of residential amenity for all future occupiers.

And it argues it would have an 'adverse impact on the local area and on-street parking levels, where congestion and road safety is an existing issue'.

The report from Cheshire East's planning officer states, while the scheme does not include any off-street parking, the highways officer has raised no objection in respect of highway or parking matters.

In recommending the application for approval, the report says: "The residential use of the proposal would not result in unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the property or wider area, would provide an appropriate standard of accommodation for future occupants, whilst not adversely affect the amenities of neighbouring residents."

It says adequate provision is made for cycle parking, waste storage and private amenity space.

It adds: "Whilst the proposal would result in the loss of a vacant retail unit, the premises has been marketed and remained unused for a significant period.

"The introduction of additional residents and increased footfall in the area is considered likely to provide a modest benefit to nearby businesses, and facilities, contributing positively to the vitality and viability of the wider West Street local urban centre."

The southern planning committee meeting takes place on Wednesday 9 September at 10am at Delamere House in Crewe.

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