Residents are celebrating the refusal of plans which threaten a popular Alderley Edge garage – but all eyes are now on the future of the business.
More than 130 objections were submitted against plans to demolish Alderley Motor Co – which has served the village for 40 years – and build four family homes.
The application also threatened car sales company JN Bauer next door. The businesses employ eight people.
Alderley Edge Parish Council and The Edge Association recommended refusal.
Objectors said the development - which adjoins the Alderley Edge Conservation Area - would not improve the area’s character and there were concerns about loss of employment, the change of use to housing and fears the businesses will not be able to relocate in the village.
Residents have breathed a sigh of relief now the plans have been refused.
Planners felt the housing would mean the loss of commercial activity in the village and said the development would be too close to a neighbouring property.
But with tenants Peter Wright and Jasper Bauer only on short term leases, the businesses still face an uncertain future.
The landlord Property Alliance Group must give them three months notice to leave and is not obliged to find them somewhere else to go.
Neither tenant would comment but planning documents say they have not found new homes.
Coun Frank Keegan said plans to move the garage to Heyes Lane allotments – as part of the Festival Hall redevlopment – may now be at risk.
He said: “I have mixed views, the refusal may put the garage in jeopardy.
“The landlord had agreed that if the plans were approved he would work with us to relocate the garage, but now I’m worried he may terminate the lease and the garage will have three months to leave.
“I’ve been battling for seven years to stop this happening and am worried we will lose this facility.”
Elizabeth Horrocks, who objected to the plans, said: “We are very pleased the plans have been turned down, but as long as this means the garage is safe.
“There is still concern, but hopefully the landlord will see when he is on to a good thing. “People are right behind the garage.”
Harold Smith, 75, of Heywood Close, chairman of the Alderley History Group, said: “We are exceptionally pleased, this is an important building in the village and a busy garage.
“If the application goes to appeal, we will object again.”
Mike Williamson, parish council chairman, said: “We don’t want to lose the garage, it’s a fantastic amenity.”
Property Alliance Group has said it is helping the businesses to relocate in the area but would not comment further on the refusal.
