NEW plans have been submitted to bulldoze a former church hall in Crewe and replace it with five houses more than 15 years after planning permission was first granted.

Paul Dodd wants to demolish the former church hall on Stafford Street, which has most recently been used for furniture sales, and build five townhouses on the site.

A design and access statement submitted by Richard Lee Project Planning on behalf of the applicant states: “Planning permission was granted for the erection of five two-storey terraced houses in April 2008.

“An extension to the time limit for commencement of the development was approved in July 2011. This new application is effectively for the same proposal.

“The principle of the site’s development for residential purposes has therefore already been established.”

It does not say why the development never went ahead.

The proposal is for five three-bedroom terraced houses.

The buildings will be Victorian in terms of architectural style and traditionally constructed with facing brick under concrete tiled roofs.

Front and rear amenity space will be provided.

The statement says: “Separate driveway access will be provided to each of the dwellings, directly off Stafford Street.

“A total of 10 off-street parking spaces are proposed. In view of the size of the units and the sustainable location of the development, this level of parking is considered adequate.”

The application, number 24/1259N, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.

The closing date for comments is May 8 and the application is to be determined by a planning officer under delegated authority.