Controversial Wilmslow care home pushes again for consent

McGoff subsidary New Care Project’s revised application for a 60-bedroom care home on Handforth Road in Wilmslow has been recommended for approval by Cheshire East council on 15 January after its previous refusal and dismissed appeal in 2019.

The scheme has been a cause of contention for developer McGoff, with its chief executive Chris McGoff tweeting on Wednesday: “Wilmslow is in dire need of a new build, fit-for-purpose facility, in an area that is characterised by converted stock premises, almost all of which would fail ‘real time’ [regulations]. Furthermore, this home will only meet 6.5% of the proven bed shortage!”

The chief executive has been vocal at various council meetings, including in 2018 when he became embroiled in a war of words with local Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Marks over the developer’s application for another care home in Warrington, which was subsequently approved.

New Care Projects has altered its Handforth application, including reducing the number of bedrooms from 65 to 60 and shifting the project’s position.

The proposals also call for the demolition of two houses on the site to make way for the care home.

The project was initially refused and dismissed due to it potentially causing visual harm to the street scene and general character and appearance of the area.

The committee documents state: “A number of economic benefits would arise from development, including additional trade for local business and the creation of employment.”

In light of this, the scheme is recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 Agreement which includes a £28,914.60 contribution towards healthcare in the area.

The council received 15 letters of objection which state potential issues with an increase in noise and light pollution, increase in traffic and insufficient parking.

The scheme was designed by architects Street Design Partnerships and landscape architects DEP Landscape Architecture.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below