PLANNING officers have given the all-clear for a Middlewich town centre property to be converted into flats.

Jalex Property had wanted to convert the house, in Darlington Street, into four apartments last year.

But the scheme was revised down to three flats following discussions with Cheshire East Council officers.

Now, the scaled-down proposal has been given approval by CEC, despite concerns from neighbours and Middlewich Town Council.

In a council report explaining the decision, planning officer Edward Cratchley said: "The proposed development is acceptable in principle and is of a satisfactory design that would not have a detrimental impact upon the character of the area, neighbouring amenity and highway safety."

Highways officers said they were satisfied with the plans, despite concerns raised about parking issues being worsened in Darlington Street if the plans were approved.

One resident wrote: "Darlington Street is next to the main shopping area and parking is very limited due to shop workers and shoppers parking in Darlington Street.

"Darlington Street is also a residential street with the majority of residents having no driveways so rely on the on-street parking which is already very difficult.

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"Please try to understand the implications of the approval of this application will affect our daily lives and take this into consideration."

The town council had objected to the scheme due to 'overdevelopment of the site and the insufficient parking provision'.