A LARGE care home is to be built on land off Gresty Road in Shavington — despite concerns from one councillor over fire safety.

Cheshire East's southern planning committee approved the plans for the 72-bedroom care home, which will provide 24-hour and dementia care, yesterday.

However, some councillors expressed fears that the three-storey building has "inadequate" parking provision, including Crewe North councillor Jill Rhodes, who also drew an analogy with the fire that devastated Notre-Dame in 2019 when highlighting the location of electrical installations and kitchen.

"I have very grave concerns about having the plant room and kitchen on the second floor," Cllr Rhodes argued. "We all know about the problem of fire on roofs — if you think about Notre Dame, that's an example."

Cllr Rhodes also took issue with the size of the development and parking.

She added: "I feel it is too big for the site, it is very tight and there are implications for the trees planted by Cheshire East.

"I have concerns for some of the parking which is inadequate."

Cheshire East Council's local plan strategy — a blueprint for development in the borough — has not earmarked the site out for residential accommodation.

But planning officers feel that because the intended commercial use of the land has been met by other schemes nearby, it was acceptable to allow a departure from the plan.

Shavington councillor David Marren supported the bid and said: "We have been advised that there is significant commercial development in this area. I think people in the local area would prefer to see a care home and not a commercial site.

"Of course, it's going to bring in jobs and other economic benefits so I am satisfied with everything I have heard

Nine councillors voted to approve the plans, one voted against, and two abstained.