PLANS to build four apartments and a retail unit in an Altrincham hotel car park have been submitted to Trafford council.

The site earmarked for development is located at Britannia Hotel, Ashley Road, Hale, next door to the recently-opened M&S store.

The building would be constructed on a car park currently used by hotel staff, which backs onto Cecil Road.

Applicant Chris Holroyd, on behalf of the hotel chain, is seeking permission to build the two-bed flats and shop space.

A planning document states: “Nationally we understand that there are numerous housing shortages across the country.

“One way of approaching the issue is to better use vacant land and empty underused buildings in a more efficient manner.

“The land adjacent to Century House is currently used as parking for Britannia Hotel staff, all of whom can easily make alternate arrangements.

“The land could be better used to provide sustainable growth to Hale Village and that belief is what lies at the very heart of the proposal.”

The report says the three-storey building would be ‘empathic’ towards the existing streetscape and the surrounding area.

The report continues: “The proposed extension seeks to provide a building that is more in keeping with the surrounding architectural heritage than the standalone 1970s development of Ashley House and Century House.

“The addition of the proposed extension will provide an elevation more in keeping with the existing setting and provide a positive addition to the streetscape, setting and significance of Hale Village and the adjoining conservation area.”

Retail giant M&S could also benefit from the new plans.

“The addition of a Marks & Spencer’s food outlet as a long term tenant to Century House and their proposed upgrades will also provide a positive impact,” added the report.

“The company will also be given first refusal to the proposed retail space as it would make an ideal cafeteria or restaurant and would complement their new food outlet.”

Further changes could see Electricity North West’s substation relocated from its Cecil Road location to the rear service yard at Century House.