Plans to convert the former Nantwich B&M unit into 20 apartments have been refused, with works already starting before a Cheshire East planning officer visited the site.

Applicant, Mr Anshul Raja, of Apavi Group Holdings, had submitted prior approval for a change of use from commercial, business and service to residential at 10 Swine Market.

The applicant wanted to convert the former multinational variety unit, which closed in April 2023, into 13 first floor apartments and seven ground floor apartments.

This application led to 67 objections being submitted, including from Nantwich Town Council, concerned granting prior approval in this case could establish an unwelcome precedent in the town centre.

To the rear of the building, the applicant proposed 20 bicycle spaces, alongside residential refuge and recycling bins.

This application led to 67 objections being submitted, including from Nantwich Town Council, concerned granting prior approval in this case could establish an unwelcome precedent in the town centre (CEC Planning).

Site access was planned from the rear of the property, with three car parking spaces proposed that would be reserved for residents.

The applicant wanted to keep the front section of the ground floor for commercial use, comprising 223.9 square metres.

During a planning officer site visit, it was noted works were already being undertaken to alter the ground floor layout to facilitate the proposals.

It did not appear at the time of the visit the proposed residential part of the existing building has been brought into use, however, the layout had begun to change in line with the residential plans.

As such, changes appeared to have been made to the Nantwich building before determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority was required.

Due to this, the application did not meet the requirements of condition MA2.(2) to qualify for permitted development under Class MA and prior approval could not be granted.

A Cheshire East Planning officer said: "The proposal is deemed to adhere with the initial requirements of Class MA, schedule two, part three of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended).

A photo of the Swine Market unit's ground floor taken in June. Changes appeared to have been made to the Nantwich building before determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority was required (Jonathan White).

"However, it does not meet condition MA.2.(2). as the proposed associated works to facilitate the change of use have already begun.

"Furthermore, the proposed external alterations comprising of external cycle storage and bin stores are not permitted under the provisions of schedule two, part three, Class MA of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

"Furthermore, the proposed external alterations comprising of external cycle storage and bin stores are not permitted."

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