Yorston Lodge revised plans for new homes supported by residents

The initial application to bulldoze Yorston Lodge Preparatory School in May this year was rejected by Cheshire East Council in May this year for heritage reasons and is currently at appeal.

Modern Unique Developments Ltd have now slightly modified their plans to flatten the former school on Bexton Road and build six two-storey dwellings.

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The proposals include four two-bed homes, one three-bed and a larger property, which could accommodate three or four bedrooms.

Yorston Lodge Preparatory School closed in summer 2023 as it was considered no longer 'financially viable' (Image: Newsquest)

Knutsford Town Council has pledged to support the bid.

Knutsford Town Council clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: “It was resolved to raise no objections and support the application which provides much needed small housing close to the town centre which will support town centre viability.”

Residents have also welcomed the proposal in comments to CEC, praising developers for their ‘exceptional builds’ in the town.

This CGI image shows what the six new properties could look like (Image: Supplied)

One person said: “I fully endorse the application to provide six tastefully designed new homes.

“The houses look beautiful and will fit in with the road.”

One resident said: “This is a fantastic scheme. The school sits outside the conservation area. It hasn’t been highlighted as a heritage asset and is not a listed building.”

Support from another resident said: “The houses are very much in keeping with the town and are more functional and appealing than an empty building.

“They are aesthetically pleasing by a reputable local company known for high quality work.”

One couple added: “We would like to express our strong support for the proposed development which we believe will bring substantial benefits to our neighbourhood and community.”

Another resident said: “Over the years, the school has had a series of cheap looking extensions which has only contributed to making the original building rather ugly.

“This scheme demonstrates great attention to detail in turning this site around into a more purposeful six A-rated home site which will provide energy efficient homes in a central location with ease to walk into Knutsford.”

Developer Matt Taylor, who runs Modern Unique Developments Ltd with business partner Tim Hatton, told The Guardian they are committed to delivering high quality homes.

Matt said: “We pride ourselves in developing super sustainable properties that have very low running costs.

“We started 10 years ago and have worked really hard.

“We are Knutsford born lads and our business evolves from here.

“We put a lot of pride into wanting these homes to stand the test of time.

“We are not here to make a quick buck.

“Our whole bread and butter is to build a high reputation.

“We were the first to build an A-rated home in Knutsford on Chelford Road.

“Our kitchens and wardrobes are all bespoke. We work with local building merchants and support the local economy.

“Our long term commitment is to help bring new homes of various sizes to the area.

“We go the extra distance. Attention to detail to secure local materials is quite special.

“We have spoken to the council and neighbours to share information and ask what they would like to see.

“We couldn’t be more transparent and diligent.”

A decision is expected next month.