PLANNING chiefs have approved plans to build on the site of one of the borough’s oldest bowling greens.

Albert Place bowling green in Altrincham’s Old Market Place Conservation Area dates back to 1844 and was home to the Stamford Bowling Club.

Landmark Property Group Ltd has acquired the holding which will be developed by its residential brand, Landmark Living.

Konrad Keller, managing director with Landmark Property Group Ltd, said: “It is a special site, given it's location and proximity to the thriving Altrincham Markets. It has a lot of history and is one of the last plots of land in Altrincham to be developed.

“Unfortunately the bowling green fell into disrepair many years ago and has become an eyesore to residents. The land hasn't been built on for centuries and we intend to respect its heritage and history.”

In 2001 and 2002 the bowling club fought off two separate attempts to take over the bowling green and turn it into houses, but it left the site in 2005 after a rent dispute with the landlord. The bowling green and its pavilion have since fallen derelict

According to a proposal approved by the planning committee on October 12, the pavilion will be modified and five residences will be erected on the site. The development will also involve the creation of new vehicle and pedestrian access off Church Walk.

Konrad Keller said: “Our ethos as a company means that we will deliver an exceptionally crafted development, while ensuring we are both respectful and sympathetic to the area and its surrounding architecture.

"We're extremely excited to be working on such an interesting and prominent site and very much look forward to delivering a beautiful scheme. "

Landmark Property Group Ltd will give £32,760 to the council to compensate for the loss of protected open space at the application site.

Landmark Living have been selected as finalists for the 2017 Northern Design Awards in the residential development category.

Commenting on the decision, Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society chairman, Judie Collins, said: "The site has been neglected for a very long time and pragmatically, a solution needed to be found. It is to be hoped that the substantial green space monies available can be spent to the advantage of the local community and that some acknowledgement of the bowling club’s heritage can be part of the new development."