A FORMER ambulance training centre is set to be demolished.

St John Ambulance (SJA) submitted a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council for the demolition of its vacant Weaverham training centre.

On Wednesday (December 6) the demolition was greenlit as the council deemed the proposal did not require prior approval to be carried out.

The building in Larch Close, would otherwise have faced becoming 'derelict and dilapidated', stated a covering letter submitted by estate agent Savills on behalf of SJA.

It reads: “The proposal will result in the removal of the former SJA training centre and avoid the dereliction and dilapidation of the vacant building.

“The site was previously used to help train volunteer fist aiders, however the site is no longer fit for purpose.

“As part of their lease, SJA has an obligation to clear the site and this requires the demolition of the vacant building.”

A report by case officer Edward Shepherd read: “It is acknowledged that the building is in a poor state of repair. However, overall, the building is considered to be structurally sound.

“As such, it is not considered to be unsafe or uninhabitable and it is not felt to be necessary to secure the safety or health by works of repair or affording temporary support.

“The purpose of the development is to enable to site to be redeveloped however details of the proposal have not yet been established.

“It is considered that given the building is located within the centre of a large industrial site, of limited visual prominence, the details of the restoration of the site are not required at this stage.

“From the information submitted it is considered that the method of demolition and the after treatment of the site following demolition are acceptable and the prior approval is not required.”

The demolition will be completed by Kings Heath Demolition Limited.

It is expected to get underway on January 15, 2024, with a completion date of February 29, 2024.