COUNCILLORS voted to allow developers to knock down an Edwardian property in Hale and replace it with an apartment block, against planning officers' recommendations.

The site, on Broad Lane, lies within the South Hale Conservation Area, but at a Trafford Council planning committee meeting on August 14, members ruled that the new building would be of benefit to the area.

Blackfriars Estates will now demolish the existing two-storey house and replace it with a three-storey building, consisting of three apartments, but it appears to be one dwelling.

The style of the building is described as a 'modern representation on the Arts and Crafts style' and aims to be in keeping with other houses on the road.

Six letters in support of the scheme were received by the council, along with one letter in opposition.

In the planning documentation published by the council's planning officers' stated: "The proposed development would significantly increase the amount of built form on the site in terms of its scale, massing and height and this would be to an extent that would be at the expense of the existing spacious and landscaped character of the area."

But the majority of committee members disagreed.

Cllr Mike Whetton, said: "I have to say I'm very impressed with the proposal, I don't share the concerns set out by the officers."

Cllr Bernard Sharp said: "I truly thought, what are we conserving?

"It's tired, it's worn out and doesn't seem to accord with any of the developments around it."

Councillors voted 10 to three in favour of overturning the officers' recommendations and approving the application.