A developer wants to turn the disused Frodsham Library into flats, but neighbours say the extension will look ‘like a shed on stilts’.

Councillors have also objected to the plans for modern apartments at the High Street site and there are fears about parking and over development.

Town councillor Mike Pusey said: “I agree with those who have said the extension will look like a shed on stilts.

“There’s nothing like it in Frodsham at the moment and it’s out of character with the rest of the town.

“I know developers want to put a modern twist on designs these days, but we don’t want a modern twist right in the middle of the high street.”

Paul Butler Associates from Salford, on behalf of Library House Ltd, have put a planning application in to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

You can view the design on page 26 of the design and access statement, available on the council planning website.

Their design for the site would see the current building renovated in to 12 apartments and an extension built to house an extra four flats.

This new addition would be built on stilts with wooden cladding around the outside.

Paul Butler Associates said: “The proposed new extension’s exterior will comprise timber cladding which will provide a lightweight and visual contrast to the red brick of the original chapel.

“It will also reference the timber and chevron detailing that is found within the site’s local context.

“The new extension will ensure an efficient use of space for the provision of additional living accommodation, while retaining car parking spaces for future residents.”

The town’s library moved to Frodsham Leisure Centre in 2013 and the historic building, which has stood since 1837, was auctioned off by CWaC in February 2015.

Frodsham Library
Frodsham Library at its new location at Frodsham Leisure Centre

Current features to be retained include its treasured red-brick exterior and stained glass windows.

Cllr Pusey said more than 20 people have come to him with complaints about the scheme.

He said: “The biggest problem is the parking, everybody has a car, so having 16 apartments and 12 spaces just doesn’t work.

“We have had complaints from neighbours who are worried about the over development of the site too, if the developers just wanted to keep the original building as it was it would be fine.

“Hopefully common sense will prevail.”

Related: Frodsham Library to set up Carers Reading Group

The fate of the application will be eventually be decided by the CWaC planning committee after being called in by councillors.

In their planning statement Paul Butler Associates said they had taken on responses given at a pre-application consultation meeting.

It said: “A series of amendments have been made to the scheme in response to comments made.

“We look forward to working with Cheshire West and Chester in progressing the application through to a positive determination.”

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