New plans to demolish an iconic building have been revealed.

Developers want to replace Prestbury’s Ford House, which was built in the 19th Century, with a block of six apartments with basement parking.

Plans also include building three mews properties and a detached house centred around a courtyard.

The proposals could spark fresh protest from heritage campaigners who are opposed to the loss of a visible part of the village’s history.

In February last year, they won a controversial planning battle with St Peter’s Parochial Church Council (PCC), the houses’s former owners, to redevelop the land. The PCC sold the site to Isee Properties Limited, which is owned by director John Elder who lives in Prestbury, for almost £820,000.

Now Emery Planning Partnership (EPP) is carrying out a public consultation into the plans on behalf of Isee, before they are formally submitted to Cheshire East Council. 

Helen Leggett from EPP Planning said: “Prior to submission of an application, we are welcoming the views of local residents on the emerging proposal in order to inform the redevelopment of this important site in the heart of Prestbury.

“Ford House, although once an attractive feature in the conservation area, is unlisted and due to its structural weakness has for many years been fenced off and detracted from the character and appearance of the village.

“The proposal is that Ford House will be replaced with a building which echoes the character and appearance of the existing building together with an addition which reflects the character and vernacular of other buildings within the village centre.”

Ford House was once the parish centre and home to a youth club. But the building steadily deteriorated and was closed in 2007 on health and safety grounds.

The church had proposed to rebuild Ford House to provide a Parish office and apartments for church staff and a youth worker.

A private development of seven town houses on land behind Ford House would have funded the entire project.

But the council’s planning committee threw out the scheme because of the loss of ancient trees and impact on Prestbury Conservation Area.

Maurice Ireland, parish councillor and member of Save Ford House Group, said the new plans faced the same opposition.

He said: “These plans are very similar to the ones the church submitted and that were rejected by the council.

“Ford House was a big part of our village until it was closed down.

“We want to see it reopened for community use.”

To view or comment on the scheme visit www.epp-planning.co.uk .