Planning & Design Practice have successfully secured consent for the change of use of a building in a mixed A1/C3 use to four dwellings at a site on the edge of Macclesfield Town Centre. The property, 1 Pinfold Street and 9 Chester Road, is part two storey and part three storey, consisting of two A1 retail units on the ground floor and three separate flats on the first and second floors. It is unusual in that, whilst originally two separate buildings (probably two dwellings), the site is now one interconnected building as the first-floor bedsit above 1 Pinfold Street (the hairdressers) and the second floor flat above the bed shop (9 Chester Road) share the same staircase.
The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) sets out the forms of development that benefit from the general grant of permission without requiring express permission. Class M of Part 3 of Schedule 2 is titled ‘Retail, takeaways and specified sui generis uses to dwellinghouses’. This allows a change of use of a building to use as a dwellinghouse together with building operations reasonably necessary to convert the building to this use.
Given its unusual layout, we had to carefully assess the proposal against the various criteria under Class M of the GPDO to ensure it met all those criteria. We then had to prepare the internal and external designs to ensure the renovated building could function as 4 separate dwellings and make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Cheshire East Council agreed with our assessment and prior approval was duly granted. We look forward to seeing the building converted and thriving in this up and coming part of Macclesfield.
If you are looking to secure planning permission for a change of use on a property or business please call us. We provide a no obligation initial consultation and can help you make the right decision.
