PLANS have been given the go-ahead to turn a vacant Chester warehouse building into a state-of-the-art recording studio and 100-capacity event space.

The proposal to turn the former plumbing trade supplies site on Hartford Way into a facility that "rivals anything in the North West" has been rubber stamped by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The building, which has been empty since 2016 and is in a state of disrepair, will be transformed to create four recording rooms, two rehearsal rooms and an office area, with the remainder of the warehouse becoming a multi-use event space aimed at mainly hosting musical performances for bands, as well as art exhibitions, festivals and fashion shows.

The applicant – Adhoc Worldwide Ltd – has promised to "invest significantly" to renovate the property both internally and externally.

The new venture would initially create two full-time roles with the potential to increase to five.

In the change of use planning application, submitted on the owner's behalf by Manchester-based Pinnacle Planning, it stated: "The vision for the studios is to create a state of the art facility which rivals anything in the North West.

"There is nothing of its type in the Chester area, and would be available to encourage people of all ages and abilities to develop skills in music production.

"It is also proposed to offer in-depth courses in production, as well as instrument practice rooms to hire.

"The recording studio would be the principal use and is to be located in the front area of the building and would involve the conversion of the existing office space.

"Each room will be acoustically insulated incorporating mechanical ventilation and air conditioning.

"The remainder of the warehouse building is proposed to be used as a multi-use event space. The space would aim to become a central hub for creativity in the city, bringing together different elements of the community including schools, colleges local businesses and residents."

In a report recommending approval, council case officer Edward Shepherd said: "This use would help bring the vacant unit back into a viable use and not limit the range and quality of employment land within the area.

"In regards to the ancillary events space, whilst it is noted that in terms of floor space this area is larger than the recording studio.

"The use is considered to be ancillary due to the nature of the events held within the unit, the frequency of events which will take place, conditioned to be at most two per week and a maximum capacity of 100 people at any time."

He concluded: "The proposed development amounts to the re-use of an existing employment unit with a new employment use. Subject to conditions, the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact in respect of the residential amenity or highway safety and the proposal complies with all other material considerations."