CREWE town councillors have welcomed the move to install sprinklers in the rebuild of a fire-hit retirement complex.

Work is currently ongoing demolishing the former Beechmere Residential Care home in Rolls Avenue and Avantage (Cheshire) has submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council for a 132-apartment replacement building.

Around 150 elderly and disabled residents were left homeless after fire tore through the modern property last August. While they were all evacuated from their homes to safety fire chiefs said that would not have been the case had a local commander not overridden a "stay-put" policy for a phased evacuation.

Beechmere's new build incorporates stone masonry walls and the timber cladding used in the former home's design is being dispensed with.

A fire investigation revealed the fire was started accidentally in the roof terrace. And after studying the new plans Crewe town councillors want clarification that safety measures - including closing off the roof void - are implemented.

Cllr Marilyn Houston told a planning meeting of Crewe Town Council: "We welcome the rebuilding plans will include a sprinkler system and that it will be traditional masonry rather than being timber clad."

But Cllr Emma Angier questioned: "There's nothing that says anything has changed regarding the roof - and the fire flashed through the roof."

Acting town clerk Rob Mackenzie noted that such measures may be covered by the building regulations.

Cllr John Rhodes added: "In view of its tragic past we want assurances that all fire safety methods will be done, including closing off the roof void."

A fundraising appeal to help Beechmere's elderly residents who lost all their possessions in the blaze reached £55,000.

Their neighbours in Leighton hope they can return to their new homes swiftly.

One resident of Chassagne Square commented on the application: "This area needs its neighbours back. After the fire affected so many lives and destroyed their homes they deserve to have it back. Also the local community will benefit from going back to normal."

And a relative of one of the displaced residents said: "My mother part owned her apartment, we are eager to see it rebuilt for her to move back in to a safer built building. It is not a care home its independent living with available care onsite."

Beechmere's planning application goes to Cheshire East Council's southern planning committee on September 2. People can comment on the plans here up to July 15.

Crewe town councillors are continuing meet during the lockdown via zoom.