Cheshire East has refused plans to convert a historic former church into 18 apartments despite appeals from councillors for the application to be deferred. St John the Baptist Church in Bollington closed about 20 years ago. Ward councillor Ken Edwards (Lab), who spoke as a visiting member, told this week's meeting of the northern planning committee: “On behalf of the town council and many members of our community, including the Anglican congregation led by our Reverend Nancy Goodrich, we’re desperate to see this magnificent building positively reused for the community.
” The committee was told the church had been bought by the applicant several years ago and permission was granted to convert it into 13 luxury apartments in 2010. Applicant Mark Simpkin told councillors that scheme had not proved commercially viable. He said since he submitted this latest application nearly three years ago it has been passed ‘from one planning officer to another and another’.
“When I looked at Rightmove this morning there were 68 houses for sale in Bollington but only four to rent,” said Mr Simpkin. “It’s obvious there’s a distinct shortage of small, private rented accommodation, that granting planning permission today will provide.” He said the committee had a chance to save an important local building for the benefit of Bollington.
“Having been on this journey for 13 years and having spent more money insuring it over the years than I paid for it, I feel this is the last.
