A Wheelock property is to be converted for use as assisted living accommodation for vulnerable people, despite fears the location is unsafe because of the nearby busy road.

Redside Capital Resources was given the green light by Cheshire East to convert three flats on Crewe Road into supported living accommodation for four residents.

Ward councillor Laura Crane (Lab), speaking as a visiting member, told the southern planning committee the property was located between a hump back bridge and a blind bend.

"At one time this was two houses, that would have had four exits. Somehow, with this development, we're only capable of giving one exit and that one exit is on to a very, very busy main road. It's a road where we're calling for an HGV ban," said Cllr Crane.

Cllr Laura Crane

Cllr Conner Naismith (Crewe West, Lab) later raised the issue of fire safety if there was only external door.

Andrew Baxter, of Redside, said the one door had been approved by building control and passed by the fire service.

Graeme Radmall, managing director of MMR Living , a social landlord and community interest company, said whereas the original proposal had been to accommodate people with high-level complex needs, this was no longer the case.

"We're looking at a support provider who works with younger people who have come through the care system and there is a need, up to the age of around 25," he said.

Mr Radmall said the property would be fully managed by MMR Living.

"We're looking to work with a care provider who will be proving 24/7 care. There will be no sleep-over care, it will all be waking nights and literally on hand to ensure everybody is safe, secure and receiving the proper support they need to live independently," he said.

Sandbach councillor Mike Benson (Con) said he understood the need for the assisted living accommodation and had been impressed by the care proposed for the prospective residents, but he was also sympathetic to the concerns raised by Cllr Crane.

Cllr Mike Benson

He said the road was very busy and 'I do have underlying concerns about the overall safety of this particular location'.

Crewe councillor Anthony Critchley (Lab) asked if a safety barrier could be put along the footpath but was told by the highways officer it was not really wide enough.

Willaston councillor Allen Gage (Con) proposed the application be approved, requesting an additional condition relating to secure cycle storage, which was agreed.

Cllr Sarah Pochin (Bunbury, Non-grouped) seconded the move to approve saying, although the property had some limitations, 'this is providing at least safe, warm, care with qualified people on site'.

The application was approved with eight councillors voting in favour, one against and three abstaining.