Planning officers have recommended councillors give the go-ahead to convert a former Nantwich workhouse, which later became part of the Barony Hospital, into apartments.

Greenhouse Property Management wants to convert Bevan House, the three-storey listed former workhouse building, and John Snow House, a two-storey separate detached building on the Barony site in Nantwich, into 31 apartments.

Both buildings were most recently used as NHS offices but are now vacant.

A report from the council's planning officer to this week's meeting of the southern planning committee says: "The proposal would result in the loss of the existing employment use, however the existing premises has not appeared to have generated any market interest for re-use for employment."

It says the building has been targeted by vandals since it became empty.

Greenhouse Property Management wants to convert Bevan House, the three-storey listed former workhouse building, and John Snow House, a two-storey separate detached building on the Barony site in Nantwich, into 31 apartments (Google).

"Given the premises are being subjected to vandalism, Bevan House's grade two status and no reasonable prospect for re-use coming forward in a 12-month period, it is considered that the current premises situation is not ideal and suggest that the site is no longer suitable for employment use," states the report.

It adds: "The council's built heritage officer is of the view that the proposal would result in less than substantial harm, at the moderate end of the spectrum, due to the removal of internal features/fabric of the grade two listed Bevan House.

"Whilst the Georgian Group have advised that they have no objection following the submission of amended plans."

The proposed 31 one-bed apartments would comprise 17 with two bedspaces and 14 for single occupancy.

The report states: "The proposed development will have indirect economic benefits including additional trade for local shops and businesses, jobs in construction and economic benefits to the construction industry supply chain."

One person has objected, saying the proposal would effectively create a large HMO (house in multiple occupation).

The application, which has been recommended for approval with conditions, is due to be considered by the southern planning committee on Wednesday 22 October, at 10.30am at Crewe Municipal Buildings.

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