Plans to convert a former workhouse on the Barony Hospital site in Nantwich into apartments have been given the green light.

Cheshire East's southern planning committee was today (Wednesday) unanimous in approving an application to convert Bevan House, the three-storey listed former workhouse building, and John Snow House, a two-storey separate detached building on the site, into 31 one-bedroom apartments.

Planning officer Daniel Evans told the meeting no external alterations would be made to the buildings, apart from the cycle and bin store provision.

"The site itself was previously used as office accommodation for the NHS, so results in the loss of employment use on this site," said Mr Evans.

No external alterations will be made to the Nantwich buildings, apart from the cycle and bin store provision (Google).

But he said it had been marketed for a year and there had been no interest in anyone wanting to use it for employment purposes.

He added: "We have got information from the applicant in terms of difficulties in keeping the vacant premises safe and secure. The property has been subject to vandalism.

"So, on that basis, given the grade two listed status of the building, the marketing for the 12-month period not really showing any reasonable prospects of reusing it for employment purposes, we consider that it's no longer suitable for employment use, and we accept residential use as appropriate on this site."

The planning officer added there had been a request for a public open space contribution, but a viability assessment showed the proposal couldn't support it.

Willaston councillor Allen Gage (Conservative), proposed the application be approved, saying it would address a need for low cost and starter housing in Nantwich.

He said: "This is a welcome application in a sustainable location, I generally support brownfield regeneration like this where possible. There ios ample car parking on-site."

It was seconded by Sandbach councillor Mike Muldoon (Conservative).

Willaston councillor Allen Gage (Conservative) (CEC).

Committee chair Joy Bratherton (Crewe, Labour) said: "It is just nice to see that there's going to be no adjustments to the façade.

"It looks rather bleak, because that's what workhouses were. But, at the same time, keeping it as it is, the character of it, I think, is very important and needs to be borne in mind."

The application was unanimously approved subject to conditions, including the cycle parking should be relocated on the south eastern boundary of the site.

A separate application for listed building consent for the same site was also approved.

READ MORE: Volunteers call to help bring 1644 'Battle of Nantwich' re-enactment to life.

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