Concerns about footpath access onto a private road have been raised by neighbours in response to plans to construct a new dwelling in Congleton.

Alex Jones has applied to demolish Mossley House Lodge, on Biddulph Road, Congleton, and to construct a new four-bedroom dwelling with associated landscaping and parking in its place.

In supporting documents submitted alongside the application, they stated: "The existing property does not provide accommodation suitable for modern day family living.

"The first-floor accommodation is extremely limited and compromised by the height of the sloping soffits, it is impossible to stand in certain areas.

"Furthermore, the staircase does not comply with latest building regulations and is a risk to the health and safety of occupants.

"For this reason, it is proposed to demolish the existing property and replace it with a modern, two-storey family home which will be fit for purpose."

Due to the location of existing trees on site, which are the subject of a preservation order the majority of the new dwelling would be built within the footprint of the existing property, with the exception of an element of new footprint providing a car port with 'room in the roof' accommodation above along with a separate garage.

However, a household on Quarry Close has objected to the application citing footpath access concerns.

The letter of objection submitted to Cheshire East stated: "Current proposal indicates footpath access from the east side of the new property onto Quarry Close.

"Quarry Close is a private road, therefore I believe the new property has no right of access onto Quarry Close.

"I propose that this footpath access is removed from the building plan."

Another Quarry Close resident who was making a general observation on the application, said: "The plans propose a foot entrance to Quarry Close. This is a private street paid for by residents of Quarry Close only.

"Please remove the open direct access onto Quarry Close, Mossley House can use the main street access upon request from Biddulph Road. Formal entrances will encourage the wrong behaviour."

Cheshire East has set 15 March as the decision target date for the application.