DEVELOPERS have resubmitted a planning application to build 44 retirement apartments in Timperley – despite planners rejecting a similar scheme last year.


Churchill Retirement Living (CRL) wants to build the apartments on the site of the former St John the Baptist Church, on Thorley Lane, which was demolished last year following the removal of its listed status.


Churchill bought the church and its land in 2011 – but the building was quickly spot-listed by English Heritage following a petition by residents.


However, the listed status was removed in April 2013, a move which was welcomed by the priest of St Hugh of Lincoln, which amalgamated with St John the Baptist parish, as well as Timperley Civic Society.


Trafford planners rejected the initial scheme in December 2013 on the grounds that scale and height of the development would be unsympathetic, over-dominant and out of character with the residential area.


CRL have sought to address planners’ concerns by reducing the frontage width of the building, increasing the distance between the apartment building and neighbouring properties and altering the appearance of the building so it now resembles three linked buildings.


The proposed development will provide 44 one and two-bedroom apartments, including communal facilities, access, car parking and landscaping.


If planning permission is approved, the apartments will be sold with a lease containing an age restriction which ensures that only people aged 60 or over, or those over this age with a partner of at least 55, can live in the development.