A HOUSING association failed in a bid to create eight flats in a city suburb.

The application, put forward by the Muir Group Housing Association on land adjacent to 4 Hamilton Place, Hoole, was unanimously rejected by a Cheshire West and Chester Council planning board.

The land is occupied by two car parks, which are part of the Gosforth Place housing scheme and three houses owned and managed by the Muir Group, according to a report.

The development was called in by Hoole and Newton councillor Adrian Walmsley (Con) who argued the flats would be detrimental to neighbours, particularly occupiers of Gosforth Place.

He believed the new build was unsuitable and would not fit in with the traditional Victorian and Edwardian houses in that part of Hoole.

Opposing the application, Steve Wright, representing Hamilton Street Residents Association, said there was no objection to the accommodation provided by the self contained flats “but we do not believe it enhances the character and appearance of the conservation area".

For the Muir Group, Paul Andrew said the area had a history of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

He argued the development had been “generally well received" when presented to local residents.

Cllr John Ebo (Con, Hoole and Newton) suggested the modern building would be “in stark contrast" to its surroundings while local Lib Dem councillor Bob Thompson asked for the scheme to be rejected.

Recommending permission, planning officers suggested the development would be a high quality scheme. But councillors rejected the plans unanimously.