Churchill withdraws Trafford appeal  

The retirement living developer wants to work with the council to find a way forward for its plans to redevelop the Hare and Hounds pub in Timperley into homes for over-60s. 

A spokesperson for Churchill Retirement Living said: “Following further discussions with Trafford Council it was decided that we would withdraw our appeal and seek to work proactively with the council and attempt to narrow the points of disagreement to achieve an acceptable planning consent”. 

Last September, the developer applied to demolish the pub and build 59 apartments and nine cottages on the Wood Lane site. 

However, Trafford Council failed to make a decision on the application within the statutory timeframe, prompting Churchill to appeal against non-determination. 

In the lead up to the appeal, both Churchill and Trafford Council had their say on the proposals. 

The authority said demolishing the pub would cause “severe harm” to a non-designated heritage asset. 

In addition, Trafford said the scheme would be “seriously detrimental to, and out of keeping with, the character of the area”. 

Churchill said the development “incorporates good-quality design appropriate to local character”, adding that the existing pub is of “negligible heritage significance”. 

A date for the inquiry was set for 24 May. 

However, Churchill has now decided to drop the appeal and try to find an amicable solution to the differences of opinion it has with the council. 

The spokesperson added: “We still hope to regenerate the site so that it can become home to a development for over 60s who want to carry on living independently as they get older but with the safety, support and social life that comes with living in a retirement living community. 

“Churchill’s previous development in Timperley, St John’s Lodge, is one of our most successful and popular developments in the region.”