Plans to convert the former Boots store in Crewe town centre into apartments and retail units have been given the go-ahead.

The application, from Tolo Property Ltd, will see three retail units on the ground floor of the building and 14 apartments on the upper floors.

The scheme also includes demolishing the existing rooftop plant store and replacing it with a new residential rooftop extension.

The application, from Tolo Property Ltd, will see three retail units on the ground floor of the building and 14 apartments on the upper floors (Photo: CEC Planning).

A Cheshire East planning officer's report says: "The proposal seeks to retain a retail use at ground floor by sub-dividing the larger footprint of the former Boots unit into three smaller units which the applicant states they have a number of parties interested in.

"A lobby area for the residential offer is also proposed on the ground floor with ancillary residential uses in the basement, including a gym and storage, and residential apartments on the first, second and third floors.

"The third floor is partially there currently but does include an extension to create the additional apartments."

The officer adds: "The principle of re-developing the site is considered to be acceptable and would help to improve the vitality or vibrance of the town centre, bringing back into use a vacant building in a prominent town centre location."

The building stands on the corner of Market Street and Earle Street, and the proposal provides no parking.

The officer's report says, given the sustainable location within the town centre, this is acceptable and cycle parking is to be provided.

It adds: "Whilst there may be some demand for parking, there are several private and public car parks in the area."

With regard to amenity space for future occupiers, the report says: "Two of the units on the roof have access to balconies and there is a gym and communal amenity area proposed within the basement…

"Whilst most of the apartments do not have private amenity space the addition of communal space in the basement is positive of the scheme."

The application was approved by planning officers under delegated authority.