Plans to demolish a vacant building and construct a two-storey block of seven apartments in the Congleton Town Centre conservation area have been supported by the town council if a car parking permit system can be established.

Congleton Nub News previously reported that applicants Mr and Mrs J Sheard, have applied to demolish 55, West Street, Congleton, and erect seven one-bedroom apartments in its place.

The application was discussed at Thursday's Congleton Town Council meeting.

Cllr Kay Wesley felt the proposal looked like a "really nice development" and the new building was in keeping with the surrounding area.

However, in the context of re-development of the site, previous planning applications established concern of the inability of the site to satisfactorily provide both access visibility and on-site parking provision.

Subsequently, following further assessment and liaison with the Council Highway Officer, this proposal does not seek to provide any on-site parking provision, being a "reduced burden and increased benefit upon the site, its neighbours and the local highway network in this regard".

Cllr Robert Hemsley suggested that Cheshire East could provide parking permits at a "preferential rate" at their council-owned car parks, which are very close to the proposed town centre residential development for residents living at the apartments.

Cllr Suzy Firkin said: "I think we need to be supportive of this development and find a way for them to make it happen, because it seems it's being rejected unnecessary when there are some solutions which are practical and possible."

Councillors approved they would support the application on the condition the developer enquires about getting a parking permit system with Cheshire East Council on nearby car parks.

Residents have until 25th June to submit their comments on the application, which can be accessed here and Cheshire East have set 21st July as the decision target date.