King’s housing scheme to go ahead

Housebuilder, Hillcrest, has been given the green light to proceed with developing 121 homes at the former King’s School site in Macclesfield, having secured planning approval.

The firm’s plans for the historic buildings and surrounds at the school’s main site have come under great scrutiny and its proposals were twice deferred.

The two reasons for the second deferral in December: issues over two of the housing types and councillors’ request that the cricket pavilion and associated war memorial be retained, have been resolved by reconfiguring the housing on site, and reconstruction of the pavilion in a new position – approved by the War Memorials Trust.

The project combines new build and the conversion of listed heritage buildings. Under the plans an existing building within the King’s School complex would be converted into 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with the addition of a contemporary extension to the rear.

A further 45 apartments for elderly people, and 33 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses are also proposed. The former library will accommodate seven dwellings and the Gate House a single home, with six duplex apartments added to the mix.

Richard Fee, chairman of Nikal, Hillcrest’s parent company, said: “The King’s School’s Cumberland Street campus is a cherished landmark within Macclesfield and has been an important part of the town’s landscape and identity for many generations.

“We’ve worked tirelessly over the last three years to develop a residential scheme that honours this relationship and preserves the site’s most treasured buildings and vistas whilst creating a sustainable new development of high-quality homes for individuals and families at all life stages.

“The end result stems from close collaboration with the strategic planning board, local council planning department, War Memorial Trust and local residents. At each stage, we’ve taken on board feedback and refined our plans. We’ve increased the volume of affordable units, increased parking and have found a viable solution that allows us to retain and restore the cricket pavilion war memorial, and ensures its long-term preservation.”