Plans to demolish a building in a conservation area will be determined by a planning inspector after an appeal was submitted against a previously refused application.

Leicester-based finance company Hornbuckle Mitchell, wants to demolish the existing two-storey office building at 7, Moody Street, Congleton, to construct a new two-storey building comprising five two-bedroomed apartments with courtyard parking and new access from the road.

Cheshire East Council's planning officers refused the application in October 2019.

A Cheshire East planning officer's report stated: "It is considered that the proposed development does not seek to avoid harm to the heritage assets and that the development as proposed does not make a positive contribution to the character of the built environment.

"It is considered that the development would have a detrimental effect upon the existing historic character and the appearance of the conservation area and the neighbouring heritage assets.

"The Location Authority considers that the development is unacceptable in principle by virtue of the size, scale and design of the proposed building and the associated impact on the listed building."

Three Shires Independent Funeral Services only opened at 7, Moody Street, last January, and a resident from The Old Ration House, at 2-4 Moody Street, commented on Cheshire East's planning portal.

The resident commented in August 2019: "I am very surprised to see this application given that we received another application in September 2018 for change of use to a funeral directors.

"Since then the tenant has moved in, spent a lot of time and money trying to bring Moody Cottage back to life from a derelict site, where teenagers and drug users used to break in and take part in illegal activity, to a habitable state to run a business.

"As a thriving town that looks to support independent traders, it would be a real shame after so recently starting to trade, Three Shires Funeral Directors would need to relocate and find a new base."

The adjacent property Chapel House (formerly Moody Hall) is a grade II listed building originally built for the Reade family (Silk Mill owners) in 1777.

Moody Street itself was built up during the 18th and 19th centuries, with examples of Georgian terrace properties to the south. Some timber framed 18th century properties can be found on the east side of Moody Street.

The Old Library Building opposite the site is now occupied by Aptitude Personal Training.

The plans would include one apartment being located at ground floor level with under-croft parking in an enclosed courtyard, the remaining four apartments at first floor level with access via an entrance hall and staircase from street level.

The design will take its influence from the stucco fronted Georgian properties to the south on Moody Street, with six over six vertical sliding sash windows natural stone heads and cills, natural stone quoins and a stone wall.

Residents who wish to comment on the planning appeal have until 19th June to submit their comments via the 'make representation' section.