A PROPOSAL has been lodged for a five-storey apartment block on the site of a timber merchants in Ellesmere Port.

The redevelopment plans would see the RPV Trading commercial unit on Coronation Road demolished and replaced with 39 one and two-bedroom apartments.

Wirral-based Skye Homes, owned by the directors of THI which developed the Vue cinema complex at the town's Coliseum Leisure Park, have submitted a full planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

It wants to build 19 one-bedroom apartments, 20 two-bedroom apartments, a communal lounge, on-site parking for 22 cars – including two disability spaces – and 39 bicycle spaces.

The proposed development has been named 'EPIC' and the properties are designed for the rental market with the aim of attracting young professionals.

Chester and District Standard: An artist's impression of the proposed apartment block.An artist's impression of the proposed apartment block.

The 'Build-to-Rent' scheme at the site would include:

  • Two and three-year leases made available to residents, with tenants only break clause after six months
  • Residents' lounge with tea and coffee making facilities acting as a hub for 'getting to know your neighbours'
  • Work from home desks in the lounge complete with computers
  • High speed broadband made available to all residents included in the lease
  • Secure parcel delivery and collection area
  • Secure cycling storage provision
  • Daily cleaning to the shared areas and corridors

The planning application, submitted on behalf of the applicant by Paddock Johnson Partnership, states: "RPV Trading is a commercial premises operating as a timber merchants. However, due to ongoing viability issues with the business the owners of the land are looking to close the business.

Chester and District Standard:

The site of RPV Trading on Coronation Road, Ellesmere Port. Pic: Google Street View.

"Skye Homes Ltd have an option to purchase the land and are seeking permission to redevelop the site for purpose built to rent housing, in the form of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments.

"Build-to-Rent is defined as accommodation, usually blocks of apartments, specifically built, and designed for the rental market.

"Typically offering secure longer leases, greater residents’ amenities and fostering a sense of community."

In relation to the proposals for a five-storey building and thinking behind the design, the application adds: "We feel the introduction of a new high-quality five-storey building in this location offers the opportunity to further articulate the approach to the town centre acting as a landmark, and setting a precedent for development of the surrounding sites, kick starting the regeneration of the town centre.

"The appearance of the building has been designed to appeal to the young professionals’ market, individuals who are attracted to living and working in an urban centre and the lifestyle associated with it.

"In the cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Chester high quality designed, contemporary apartment buildings provide a precedent for the direction of 21st Century urban living.

"Whilst the context of the application site differs from these locations, they provide useful design references."