Conversion plans for the Barnfield

Property owner, Peter Houston, has been given permission for the development of Barnfield House by Cheshire East Council planners.

The former Barnfield pub, originally The Red Lion, on Catherine Street in Macclesfield, will be turned into nine bedsits – despite objections from Macclesfield Town Council and Civic Society.

Mr Houston bought the building in 2014 after the Barnfield closed and secured planning consent to convert it into five flats. Plans were not implemented within the specified time and Mr Houston lived on the premises while carrying out renovations.

More recently the building had been used by lodgers so the council asked Mr Houston to apply for it to become licensed ‘house of multiple occupation’ (HMO) with nine bedrooms.

His application met with opposition with one nearby resident writing to say they feared a return to anti-social behaviour associated with the pub.

Harriet Worrell, from Macclesfield Town Council, also said: “The committee objects to this application on the grounds of over intensification of the property.

“Additionally, the committee sought that the design is reviewed to allow for more shared living space.”

A similar objection from Macclesfield Civic Society said: “Although a conversion to several units was previously agreed the present scheme appears to be somewhat over intensive.

“The bedroom areas for the HMO would not be served by communal areas of sufficient size to provide reasonable living conditions.”

A report submitted with the application said the scheme would have no adverse impact on the character of the area, would contribute to an increased housing supply and be ‘effective use of previously developed land’.

It added: “The proposed development also results in economic benefit.

“Although not an employment scheme, the development would create construction jobs and housing and thereby contribute to the local economy.”

Council planning officer Danielle Sammy said the proposal ‘broadly complies’ with planning regulations.

She said: “It is not considered that this proposal will significantly negatively impact the character of the area or the amenity of users and neighbours.”