The historic Churche’s Mansion in Nantwich looks set to become a family home, writes Belinda Ryan.
A planning application has been submitted to Cheshire East Council for permission to change the use of the Elizabethan building, which dates back to 1577, from a restaurant to a single-family dwelling.
The Hospital Street venue had been a popular fish restaurant for many years before closing and being put for sale in 2023.
A design, access and heritage statement submitted by Daniel Matthias Architecture states: “The proposal does not include any internal or external alterations to the historic fabric of the building.
“The mansion will be used exactly as existing, with only functional changes related to occupation, e.g., furniture, domestic use, which are not planning development.
“The aim of this proposal is to secure a long-term, low-impact, sustainable use for one of Nantwich’s most important heritage assets, aligning with national and local heritage objectives.”
A separate application has been submitted to transform the modern outbuildings behind Churche’s Mansion on Hospital Street into nine studio apartments.
A planning document accompanying the application states: “This application is for the conversion of the former kitchens and ancillary accommodation (to the former Churche’s Mansion restaurant) to nine studio apartments.
“There are to be five one-bed apartments and four studio apartments with the express desire to provide accommodation in Nantwich town centre for single people or couples at a reasonable rental value. “
It adds: “No works are proposed to the grade one listed Churche’s Mansion, nor will any elements of the protected building fabric be altered.
“Our design approach has been to be as sympathetic as we can to the heritage of the listed building whilst providing residential units that comply to current building standards and are energy and sustainably designed.”
The applications, numbers 26/0022/FUL and 26/0021/FUL can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.
The last date for submitting comments is March 3.
Studio or HMO’s , they’re basically the same thing, Dave, especially when it’s a block of 9 of them. Groups of single bed accommodation are a magnet for anti social behaviour and tenants. Would have been more useful for the town as 1 and 2 bed apartments but wouldn’t be as profitable for the landlord.
Churches Mansions would be better off split into apartments too, can’t see it working as a single dwelling and who would want to live there, noisy and badly laid out as a family dwelling. But Grade one listed so good luck finding any family foolish enough to want it as a family home.
Isn’t there something in the original deeds about a public right of way through the property?
Studio apartments in Nantwich, HMO in Crewe!
This very clever venture can then open up more available bedsit/studio apartments elsewhere in the town, wait until the old B&M gets passed.
Hopefully the planning gets passed for the studio apartments as there’s a great need for supported and emergency housing for vulnerable tenants in the area. Most is concentrated in Crewe which isn’t ideal.
sounds a wonderful venture, but beware listed building maintenance comes with eye watering costs I have restored two such gems, and the cost to everyone involved, including family is huge, do your research first and don’t be in a rush, specialised trades are needed plus permission for every step of the way, which adds to the delay. Certainly a very noble project, I wish them well.
Fantastic news, it’s very clear this beautiful old building just isn’t viable as a business premises. I’m glad it’s going to be loved and not neglected, and hope the new custodians enjoy living in this very important piece of Nantwich’s history