Four-storey Crewe apartments set for approval just weeks after being refused
Plans for a four-storey apartment block in Crewe have been recommended for approval – weeks after a decision granting permission for a similar scheme was rejected by the High Court.
Premier Living Homes want to build the 11 apartment block on the corner of Edleston Road and Brook Street.
Planning permission for the earlier proposal was approved by an officer in February of this year but that decision was dismissed by the High Court following a judicial review.
The application has now been re-submitted and this time will be decided by the southern planning committee and not an officer after it was 'called-in' by ward councillor Steve Hogben.
The Crewe South councillor listed a number of reasons why, he believed, it should be considered by the committee.
He says the apartments are out of character and appearance with the existing street scene, given the over-dominant nature of the proposed building; the access to the building is unsafe for future residents; there is 'inadequate living space' and the parking is inadequate.
Cllr Hogben said in his call-in notice: "This is a resubmission of planning application 20/0829N, which was approved by an officer in February 2022.
"Following judicial review that approval was quashed by the High Court on April 12 because the council failed to consult on the significant changes made to the original application in December 2021.
"In the interests of openness and in the wider public interest, it is important the council ensures an objective and separate assessment of the application is made by elected councillors in public."
In a report due to go before Wednesday's (May 25) meeting of the southern planning committee, the Cheshire East officer says the principle of the development is considered 'acceptable.'
The report states: "The proposal is for 11 one-bed apartments with off-road parking with a new access off Brook Street.
"The site is a short walk from the centre of Crewe, Crewe train station, the Lockitt Street retail development and frequent public transport services.
"It is considered to be in a sustainable location with suitable connections to the surrounding areas."
Cllr John Rhodes, chair of Crewe Town Council's planning Committee, told Nub News: "It is very disappointing to see that Cheshire East Planning Officers continue to consider what would be unacceptable elsewhere in the borough is good enough for Crewe.
"The planning department should be seeking and encouraging developments that offer quality accommodation and that enhance and add value to the street scene.
"In my opinion, this application proposes over development of the site with very high density cramped accommodation - that appears to be below technical housing standards.
"It is without consideration for residents' living standards, including existing homes in the area, or how the design could have reflected the heritage of nearby locally listed buildings.
"I can only hope that the committee agrees with the responses from local consultees, rather than the unrepresentative officer report."
The application will be considered at Wednesday's (May 25) southern planning committee meeting, taking place at 10am, Crewe Municipal Buildings.
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(Ryan Parker and Belinda Ryan).
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