RESIDENTS living opposite Macclesfield Hospital have accused bosses of being "money driven" in their eagerness to sell off unwanted land.

Homeowners on Prestbury Road say they will be facing an "oversized" development if proposals to transform the empty Blue Zone area of the site are given the go-ahead by councillors next month.

East Cheshire NHS Trust has publically stated permission is "key" to clearing its debts and becoming a foundation trust.

But resident Kerrie Green-Cronin, a mother of two, said: "The hospital cannot hold ‘foundation status’ up so developers have carte blanche to do whatever they want. This completely contravenes the planning brief they were given. There is so much political pressure from the hospital, it is a worry that it will get rushed through."

Macclesfield Borough Council’s planning committee will consider developer Keyworker Homes’ proposals – including erecting a new 75-bed care home, 58 apartments and the conversion of the Grade II listed clock tower building – at the town hall on Monday, February 9.

Mother of two Judith Simm, of Prestbury Road, said: "We will lose our privacy. And the retail units are just replicating what is already there.  They are cramming everything in and making it as high as possible to maximise their return."

David Woolliscroft, who has lived on Prestbury Road for 30 years, branded one of the proposed buildings "a Kremlin block", adding: "We accept the site needs developing – it is a mess."

Emily Gaughan, a mother of three, believes it would increase already considerable traffic problems and damage what is a leafy conservation area.

Ward councillor John Narraway said: "The buildings and feature of that area of town are more important than the hospital seeking foundation status."

Coun Ainsley Arnold added: "The size and scale are of concern. The hospital’s argument is that they need the money to safeguard the future of the hospital, which is a very emotional aspect to it."

All hospital debts – reduced from £13million to £5m in the past two years – must be cleared by April to secure foundation status this year.

A trust spokesman said: "The trust is keen to make a sale as soon as possible in order to raise the finance necessary. The plans have developed since the original brief to ensure value for money on behalf of the taxpayer. This money will be received by the Trust and will be used to secure financial recovery. The trust is always keen to ensure the public have the opportunity to express their views and will continue to provide forums wherever possible."

He said a thousand information leaflets had been distributed in the area during consultation last autumn.