MACCLESFIELD Hospital’s latest attempt to wipe out its debt by selling off unwanted land has been approved.

East Cheshire NHS Trust is celebrating a leap forward in its bid to turn the Blue Zone into a new mixed development, including a 75-bed care home and new housing.

Cheshire East Council’s (CEC) strategic planning board unanimously approved the five applications at Westfields in Sandbach last week – though details on parking must still be agreed upon.

The proposals include building 15 townhouses, as well as converting the grade II listed clock tower into 36 apartments. Submitted in conjunction with developers Keyworker Homes, they also include a coffee shop and gym.

During the meeting, there were worries there would not be enough parking on the site and that drivers will be forced to park along the main road outside the hospital.

Ward councillor John Narraway told the committee he had mixed feelings about some of the proposals.

He said: "This is an important development for the hospital. It is a better application than the one recommended for approval in January. Car parking is going to be an issue though."

Planning committee member Coun Ainsley Arnold said: "It has been scaled down. There are still some minor details which need ironing out."

Speaking after the meeting, trust chief executive John Wilbraham said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. Work needs to continue with council officers on some issues, especially around car parking, and we will do this in conjunction with our partners, Keyworker Homes."

Eain Bailey, from Keyworker Homes, said: "Keyworker are now working with council officers to iron out the final points so that full planning can go ahead."

Planning officers have been given delegated powers to discuss conditions of approval with the applicants and several consulted parties.

Trust bosses hope to make at least £7.5million from the sale of the vacated Blue Zone, on the former West Park site, to enable the hospital to gain Foundation Trust status.