PLANS to breathe new life into an historic building have been dealt a blow.
Abode Group estate agents were looking to turn the former Barclays bank in Alderley Edge into its new headquarters.
However, Cheshire East Council has refused to grant planning permission for an extension and alterations to the 120-year-old building.
In a report outlining the decision, case officer Fiona Reynolds said: “The proposals include extensions and alterations that are considered harmful to the special character of the listed building by virtue of the scale and design and prominence of the proposed extension and dormer.
“There also loss of historic fabric and plan form that is harmful to the special character and significance of the listed building.
“There are not considered to be sufficient public benefits to outweigh the less than substantial harm identified.”
The Grade II-listed building, 22 London Road, was designed by Percy Worthington for Union Bank and built in 1904.
It was later acquired by Barclays but has now been vacant for several years.
In August, The Cave Architecture and Design submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council, on behalf of the Abode Group.
The firm sought to building a ‘minimal contemporary extension’ to the rear of the building as well as make ‘sympathetic internal alterations’,
“The building was acquired by Abode Group to provide its new headquarters,” reads the application.
“The intention is to repair and restore the grand east and north facing elevations.
“Abode have experience of working on listed buildings and intend to apply this experience to ensure the best possible outcome.
“A result of neglect and poor quality conversion, remodelling work to the building requires significant refit to meet the standards expected by the client.”
The extension proposed would have seen a staircase housed with a glass tower.
Internally, the plans involved installing a gym and sauna in the basement as well as stripping out the banking hall and replacing it with a bar and lounge area.
“The client aims to provide an impressive space and likens his aspirations for the former banking hall to a boutique hotel/high-end office,” the application adds.
On Monday (October 28), Cheshire East Council formally refused the application.
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