Plans to extend and convert two commercial buildings in Crewe into 108 apartments have been approved with councillors praising the design and saying it will enhance the town centre.

On Wednesday (29 July), Cheshire East's southern planning committee was unanimous in its support of the proposal to remodel, extend and part change the use of Breeden House and Regency Court.

The scheme includes redeveloping the existing three-storey building fronting Edleston Road and High Street into an eight-storey property comprising nine ground floor retail units fronting Edleston Road and a total of 108 one and two-bed apartments across the other seven floors.

No affordable housing is proposed because a viability assessment says the scheme cannot afford it.

Cllr Janet Clowes (Wybunbury, Conservative)m asked about waste management and was told residents would take their rubbish down to large bins at ground floor level.

Cllr Martin Edwards (Crewe, Labour), questioned there being just 24 parking spaces, adding that would impact who would want to move in.

And he asked: "How long will this development take to build, because I can't see where you're going to put trucks and building equipment and materials."

He was told a construction management plan would be put in place.

Crewe councillor Roger Morris (Conservative), moved the application be approved, saying: "I think it will enhance the town centre, and I think it will bring a modernisation of the town centre that I feel we all need."

It was seconded by Cllr Edwards.

Cllr Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Conservative), said: "I think it's a brilliant design, really interesting.

"It'll add a great deal to this part of Crewe and hopefully will be the catalyst for further development and further upgrading of this part of Crewe."

Cllr Clowes agreed, saying: "I do like the design.

"In terms of regeneration of Crewe, it's exactly the sort of project we do need.

"However, there will be logistical issues as and when it is built, and we'll just have to deal with those and, as they arise, there will be other agencies to control that."

"This is perfect for Crewe, and I would really like to see Crewe people living in it, being able to afford to live in it, and consequently, the fact that we don't have affordable housing, I hope that the owner will bear that in mind and make sure that we do have a good representation of local people being able to access this lovely building."

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Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The next draw takes place on Thursday 30 July. Buy a ticket for just £2.