A new planning application to replace the Royal Oak pub with residential buildings has been submitted.
Planning application (10/4529M) to build four semi detached and two detached houses was withdrawn earlier this year and has been replaced with an application to build four semi detached and one detached house.
The main difference with the latest application is that plot 5, considered by some local residents to have an overbearing effect on neighbouring properties, has been removed.
The application from Stephen Price at Riverlodge Properties, who took over the lease as a family business in 2005, states that this plot will be the subject of a separate planning application.
Other changes to this most recent application (11/1111M) include the front walls of plots 1-4 being replaced with hedges and the addition of chimneys, solar thermal roof panels and velux windows.
As reported last month, the pub has now closed and work is underway to clear out the Royal Oak pub in preparation for its demolition.
Riverlodge Properties has submitted an application to demolish the building (11/1294M), which, we understand from Cheshire East Council, they have the right do as owners of the property. The demolition is expected to commence on Friday May 3rd with the works completed by Monday May 16th.
Stephen Price said "Unfortunately (the premises) are already becoming subject to theft. A significant amount of lead has been stripped from the roof and it is feared that further theft and vandalism may ensue."
Should this recent application be deemed not acceptable, then Stephen Price said "The obvious other alternative use would be Class A1*, in consideration of the existing parking available."
The planning application, reference (11/1111M), can be viewed at the Cheshire East Council planning portal.
Click here to read our earlier articles regarding plans for the Royal Oak pub.
* Class A1 - Shops which are used for the retail sale of goods other than hot food, as a post office, for the sale of tickets or as a travel agency, for the sale of sandwiches or other cold food for consumption off the premises, for hairdressing, for the direction of funerals, for the display of goods for sale, for the hiring out of domestic or personal goods or articles, for the reception of goods to be washed, cleaned or repaired, where the sale, display or service is to visiting members of the public.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
We must realise that the pub is no more – so what do we all want? Yes, I have read Chris Slater’s rather one sided report in the Wilmslow Express 27.4.11 and we need to ask whether we would prefer an inkeeping, well designed group of high spec residential dwellings or...... for the short term a boarded up and run down pub (aka The County) open to all sorts of crime and unscrupulous dwelling or more seriously , in the long term, another Superstore (they after all like the village!) or a motel perhaps open all hours – weddings, music venue, who knows.
But, I do know what I would prefer..... a quiet neighbourhood without the commotion of the potential ‘solutions’ mentioned above.
The site has recently been tidied up and really shows how big it is , but the plans do not eat into the old bowling green so green space is retained.
Strangely, I have not been asked to sign the 100 signature petition and nor has my direct neighbour. I urge other community members, not just in the vicinity, to air your support for this residential development to be passed before we have a derelict piece of land open to the super(market) powers that come and snap it up.
I urge the council to pass this application without hesitation.
As another resident of Heyes Lane I will be directly affected by this planning request as its evident the pub has not been a viable business for many years. I supported the previous application for redevelopment and will also put my support behind this one.
It does concern me that reading the previous planning application’s letters many people were in favour and those directly affected, who rightly had issues relating to the height of the development, were clearly not opposed to the idea. I can understand recognition of village residents living some distance away being heard but this was not the “local” opinion on the matter and it would have been nice for it to be reported as such.
From what I understand the council cannot legally reject the demolition of the site and the process of putting in a request is just that, following process.
The only question should be what do we want in its place. Given the range of potential possibilities I'd much prefer the high quality houses that have been proposed to anything else. If Cheshire East could throw in a couple of speed bumps on Heyes Lane at the site entrance too, that would really be something . . .
I've also not come across the petition that Fiona mentions.
May I suggest that you visit the Cheshire East website and e mail your support directly to Sue Orrell.
Referring to your comment "I can understand recognition of village residents living some distance away being heard but this was not the “local” opinion on the matter and it would have been nice for it to be reported as such."
It wasn't clear whether you were referring to how I reported the issue on alderleyedge.com or the article in the Wilmslow Express?
My aim is always to report local stories in a factual and balanced manner. If you read my March article 'Plans withdrawn for Royal Oak development' you will see that I covered both the objections to the planning application and those who wrote in favour. http://bit.ly/jp28ok
We very much hope that local people will use the comment box at the end of articles to share their opinions about local issues, both negative and positive - that way the website can reflect local opinion - though of course people are often more likely to take the time to write when they feel strongly against something.
I was referring to the Wilmslow Express article please don't feel my comments were directed at this site. I felt alderleyedge.com gave a balanced view stating the facts and quoting from both for and against. Alderleyedge.com is great source of news and information and the work you folks do is to be commended.
On the topic of the 100 signature petition, I have also not seen or heard about this and neither would anyone we know on Heyes Lane.
It is the darker tarmac line in the car park it was done early 1980s I know as my friend lived next door and the sewer was redirected from the back of the old library car park through the back gardens of the 2 houses between the old library and the Oak then through the pub car park back onto Heyes lane. As I dont think if it has been forgotten it would be a good idea to grant planning permission to build new houses on top of it.