PLANS to flatten a timber merchants and build a four-storey apartment block  in Ellesmere Port  have been given the go ahead, despite planning officers recommending refusal.

Lewis Skye Homes Ltd had submitted a scheme for 17 apartments on the RPV Timber site to the south of the town centre.  Planning officers had recommended it be knocked back due to its height, which they said would make it out of character with the local area.

But it was called in by ward councillor Karen Shore for further discussion, as she considered the development was in keeping with the wider regeneration priorities of the area.  Speaking at the meeting, she said it could act as an ‘anchor’ to help unlock further development as part of the council’s levelling up bid to government.

Cllr Shore said: “This area is part of the vision for regeneration for Ellesmere Port. It does tick the box for regeneration, but also for housing.

“This is the third iteration of a proposal from the developer and I think that does show the willingness of the developer to accept the feedback they’re given. When I speak to local residents they want to see this area regenerated and mention the need for high quality housing.”

The project includes 14 two-bedroom flats and three, one-bedroom flats along with residents’ lounge, car parking and landscaping. Five of the apartments will be designated as ‘affordable’.

Committee member Cllr Jill Houlbrook told the meeting: “We talk a lot about sustainability in these meetings. I think this development is almost the epitome of sustainable. It’s in easy walking distance to the town centre and on central bus routes.”

She added: “I’m going to go back to the four storey issue and that it isn’t in keeping. I find it really difficult to envisage how something would be in-keeping in this areas as the buildings around here are so very very varied.”

Members decided that the scale and height of the building was not out of character with the local area and the plan was passed with 10 members voting in favour and one abstaining.