A former social club in Congleton looks set to be turned into a house in multiple occupation.

Cheshire East Council has greenlit plans from DAJ Property Group Limited to turn the Vale Club on Canal Street into a 'high-quality' 11-bed HMO.

It is said the scheme will be aimed at young professionals and key workers and will help meet local demand.

A planning statement, prepared by Paul Butler Associates on behalf of DAJ, reads: "The proposed scheme involves the reuse of a vacant building to provide housing on previously developed land which will contribute to meeting housing need in the borough, and will not contribute to an overconcentration of HMO uses.

"It will deliver regeneration and community benefits.

"The proposed residential use will also provide a boost to local shops and business through increased footfall and spending by future residents.

"The development will provide economic, social and environmental benefits and constitutes sustainable development."

The Vale Club on Canal Street (Credit: Paul Butler Associates)

The Vale Club opened in August 1980 and closed in January 2024.

Following its closure, the property was marketed by estate agents Whittaker & Biggs.

However, following 16 viewings, it was determined that there was no interest in continuing to use the property as a social club.

The planning statement adds: "It is understood that when it was in active use the Vale Club suffered from declining membership and custom and was no longer a viable or sustainable business.

"It is noted that this reflects a wider trend of decline and difficult trading conditions affecting licensed premises.

"Issues experienced include changing demographics with younger people drinking less and living healthier lifestyles.

"The Covid-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on the sector with licensed premises required to be closed for a prolonged period.

"Inflation has also affected trade with the cost and availability of alcohol at supermarkets meaning that people chose to drink and socialise at home rather than in pubs and clubs."

Propsoed site plan for the HMO (Credit: Mark Gordon)

The planning statement continues, highlighting a number of economic, social and environmental benefits.

It reads: "The shortage of housing can act as a barrier to people accessing job opportunities, thus preventing the borough from achieving its economic potential.

"The proposal will bring a vacant building back into use and provide HMO accommodation which will help meet the needs of local people and those moving to the borough, thereby contributing to Congleton's economy

"The proposed development will deliver high quality housing and contribute to the creation of a sustainable community.

"Bringing the building back into active use will make a positive contribution to the local area including contributing to passive surveillance of the surrounding streets."

On Friday, December 5, Cheshire East Council officially granted consent for the change of use from a vacant social club into a HMO with 11 bedrooms.

This development includes external alterations to the property to facilitate the conversion and the formation of associated car parking, bin and cycle storage.