Plans to bulldoze a derelict Sandbach pub and replace it with a 57-bed care home have been recommended for approval.

The Limes, on Sweettooth Lane, has been targeted by vandals on numerous occasions since it closed in 2019. In May of this year the building was torched by arsonists.

On Wednesday (August 30) Cheshire East's southern planning committee will consider an application to demolish the historic pub and replace it with the two-and-half-storey care home with facilities within the basement, together with parking and landscaping.

A report from the council's planning officer due to go to next week's meeting, states: "The care home proposes to cater for a mix of care options including residential care, dementia and nursing patients."

It says the scheme will not include affordable housing because 'the site is to accommodate true C2 care homes use with bedroom only, and no apartments'.

The application site is bounded by residential properties.

The report states: "The amended scheme has reduced the building from three storeys to two-and-a-half, with an additional storey within a basement. The building will be larger than the existing two-storey pub, in terms of height, mass and footprint."

The planning officer says although community facilities should be retained where possible, the pub was not listed as an asset of community value when it closed, although the associated bowling green is listed.

(Photo: Belinda Ryan, Local Democracy Reporter)

The report states: "The public house has been vacant for over four years and the current owners, Crown Care, intend to retain the bowling green to the front of the site and have incorporated areas within the building for the bowling club members…

"The retention of the bowling green as a community asset is a benefit of the scheme and will help to integrate the new care facility into the community."

Sandbach Town Council has objected to the application arguing the scheme is over-intensive for the site and does not allow sufficient width for safe access and movement to the east and west of the building.

Twenty two residents have objected to the scheme. Their concerns include highways safety and lack of parking – 23 spaces are proposed, the access width, the 'overbearing' building and the lack of infrastructure in the town to support the scheme.

Six letters have been sent to the council supporting the proposal. These state care homes are needed for the ageing population and there is a significant need for dementia care in the locality, and the site is in a good location, being near a bungalow development.

They also say the pub was clearly not viable and has been left to become dilapidated.

Members of the bowling club have welcomed the proposal which 'will ensure the continued use of the bowling green'.

The southern planning committee meeting takes place at Crewe Municipal Buildings on Wednesday, August 30, at 10am.