A CONTROVERSIAL application to transform the University of Law (ULaw) site in Chester into a housing development has been recommended for approval.

This is despite a whopping 101 objections to the planning application being lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC).

ULaw is hoping the cash generated from the scheme will allow it to set up shop on the ground and fifth floors of the new One City Place office block near Chester railway station.

Bosses say there is no longer any need for the campus on Pepper Street, Christleton, as the majority of courses are now delivered online or on a part-time basis.

The 5.4 hectare campus is located within the North Cheshire Green Belt and is currently occupied by the Grade II listed, 18th century Christleton Hall and other modern law school buildings.

ULaw is requesting permission to demolish a number of the 20th century buildings and construct 27 new dwellings, as well as converting the hall into 14 apartments.

The plans also include refurbishment and improvements to the walled garden and gazebo and wider open space and play provision on site.

CWaC’s planning committee is due to make a decision on whether to approve the application at a meeting on Tuesday (April 10).

In her report to the committee, planning officer Jill Stephens recommends the proposals for approval.

They would also have to be given the green light by the secretary of state due to an objection by Sport England which is concerned about non-use of the on-site sports pitches.

ULaw has said the fields would remain in private use by the university and would not be built on.

Residents have objected on a number of grounds, including traffic congestion, pollution and impact on local infrastructure.

Christleton Parish Council is also against the plans, saying the applicant has not demonstrated that there is no alternative educational or employment use for the site.

With its proposed larger dwellings, the application does not meet the housing needs of Christleton, the parish council claims.

However, CWaC also received 10 letters from people supporting the plan. They said there would be a good mix of dwellings with little visual impact.

In her report, Ms Stephens wrote: “The development would represent development of a brownfield site and would therefore not amount to inappropriate development in the Green Belt. It is considered that the development would respect the character of the street scene and local area as well as maintaining and enhancing the heritage assets, namely Christleton Hall.

“It is also considered that the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on residents’ health or quality of life, having particular regard to residential amenity, and would have no unacceptable impact in respect of highway safety, could safeguard ecology and could provide suitable drainage provision.”