PLANS have been submitted to transform vacant land near Barons Quay into an apartment block.

Courts Developments have applied to Cheshire West and Chester Council for planning permission to build a three-storey building housing 34 apartments.

The proposed block, for land at the junction of Tabley Street and Albion Road, would be comprised of three studio apartments, 21 one-bed units and 10 two-bed units.

Residents would also have access to two communal gardens, an external bin store and 22 car parking spaces, with one allocated for disabled parking.

A design and access statement, submitted on behalf of Courts Developments, said: “The proposed development is located close to the town centre with excellent pedestrian and public transport links and will provide a unique and vibrant development.

“Offering much needed residential accommodation in the heart of the town, the proposed contemporary building complements the surrounding developments and further enhances the character of the area.

“The proposed building is designed to respect its immediate surroundings, with the overall height limited to three storeys.

“The architectural treatment ensures that the building compliments the character of the local area and in particular the Barons Quay development.”

The scheme is close to a wide variety of facilities and is well served by public transport with nearby bus stops in Chester Way and at the Northwich Interchange.

The town’s railway station is also less than a mile away from the site and can be reached in around 15 minutes by foot.

Access to the site by vehicles will be via Albion Road. There will also be storage space for 46 bicycles at the site.

The design and access statement added: “Emphasis will be placed on sustainable transport, encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport.

“Pedestrian access is a key design consideration for the site, with an existing and well used public footpath crossing the site from Barons Quay and Tabley Street to the Sainsbury’s supermarket to the east.

“This pedestrian access will be relocated to align with the existing Barons Quay staircase and enhanced with new paving and planting to reinforce this key pedestrian link.”

To view and comment on the proposal, use reference 21/01438/FUL on the council’s planning portal.