Residents in Shavington are fighting plans to demolish the village shop and replace it with a 10-bed “supported living” unit.
Scores of villagers have registered objections to the plans by Signature Housing Group Ltd.
If approved it would result in the demolition of the former Co-op shop on the corner of Rope Lane and Main Road, an Edwardian building that many say is “part of the fabric of the community”.
The proposal seeks to construct a new build development of 10 one-bedroom apartments with ancillary facilities on the site.
It would be for adults with either learning disabilities or mental health disability.
“The intention is for the future residents to live independent lives with the care and support on site, as required,” says a planning report.
Although a few are in support, many others have objected, saying the plans are “out of character” with the village and would increase parking problems on a busy junction.
One objector Linda Buchanan said: “If this planning application is approved, we have to ask why is it that Cheshire East is willing to take this wreaking ball approach to the destruction of its historic buildings?
“To destroy the old Co-op in Shavington not only diminishes the architectural value of such buildings to the community but it also goes against environmental commitments to reduce Cheshire East’s carbon footprint.”
“1 Rope Lane is an Edwardian building that needs conserving as part of the heritage of Shavington and indeed Cheshire East.
“Protecting the old Co-op helps to maintain and enhance qualities that differentiate Shavington and Cheshire East from other areas and underpins the image and attractiveness as an area to live, work and visit.
“In terms of protecting the environment, retro-fitting is almost always more energy efficient.
“Imagine the increase in the carbon footprint generated by tearing down the old Co-op, clearing the site, crafting new materials and putting up a replacement from scratch.
“A report by the National Trust’s Preservation Green Lab, now the Research and Policy Lab, found that retrofitting an older building is de facto greener than building high-tech structures from scratch.
“Once the old Co-op is destroyed, we lose a piece of history, after all once it’s gone, it is gone forever.”
However, a report to CEC says there is a need for more supported living accommodation like the proposed unit.
In a letter from planning officers during the pre-application inquiry stage, officers said: “Whilst the re-development of the site is welcomed, it is considered that the proposal as set out in the pre-app is an overdevelopment of the site and would have a detrimental impact on the streetscene and neighbouring amenity.
“The proposal is therefore unlikely to favourably consider as it stands.
“A smaller, more traditional scheme may be acceptable subject to the amenity of the neighbours being safeguarded and parking provision dealt with.
“The proposal to convert the existing building would be preferable, however the issues of amenity impact and parking provision will still need to be considered in any proposal.”
Cheshire East Council has a set a decision date of March 22, 2021.
To read the full plans, view them here on Cheshire East’s planning portal
It’s not exactly an Edwardian gem is it? And where did people park when it was a convenience store? Lastly, what’s a wreaking ball?
I have always thought the shop unit as rather ugly and too big for the tight corner plot it is on. Don’t get me wrong the new plans are far too large too, although I think an independent living scheme in the centre of a friendly village with excellent shops/bus routes a good idea. The building plans submitted just need a better design. To save a shop that starting the decay away and become an eye sore seems mad. Effort to work with planners on a more appropriate design would be better
It is not right that this area loses its historic fabric. It should not be allowed. Full stop. We can not have entrepreneural Builders arriving and bulldozing our Area any more. It should be ‘ red’ ( and known, not preferable ) that any Applications involve keeping the existing history and
‘ feel ‘ of the area. There needs to be an investigation as to why Nantwich and surrounding areas with historic splendour are allowed to be ruined and/or dwarfed with hideous box , basic Buildings. Whoever agreed a big ugly Aldi Building in Nantwich and without Art and Craft fixtures needs to be hauled over the coals and the Plans remedied too.
You can’t wrap a village in cotton wool. It must evolve and change. It is the fact that building styles have changed over the years that gives old settlements their character. If they didn’t we would still be living in stone round houses with thatched roofs.
The idea that Aldi in Nantwich should have Art Deco decoration is ridiculous. Why Art Deco? Why not timber frame with wattle and daub walls?