Plans to turn empty town centre pub into care home spark opposition
PLANS to turn an abandoned pub into a care home have sparked opposition from town councillors.
Cheadle town councillors say proposals to convert the landmark Wheatsheaf Hotel into a residential and support unit for up to 18 people with learning difficulties, would have a detrimental impact on the High Street and town centre trade.
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon had hoped to purchase the Grade II-listed landmark, which has remained empty for five years, and came close to sealing a deal in October.
However, its owner Ace Investments has now clinched a deal with additional needs specialist Midway Care.
The move would create 30 jobs, and end the site's 270-year history as a pub.
Town councillors said at last night's meeting that there had been a storm of protests from residents.
Planning committee chairman Ray Wood, who is also market superintendent, told fellow town councillors: "I cannot think of another town in the country where there is a care home in the High Street."
But Councillor Ian Whitehouse said the facility would lead to a £500,000 investment in the town.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is expected to rule on the application next month.
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Comments
by magneto, shelton
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 7:21PM
“From what I've seen there are already enough people with learning difficulties etc in Cheadle. Check out Acorn Care on Lockwood Road for instance. The High St is an inappropriate place, especially when the building is so prominent. If the council dropped the business rates to affordable levels there would be more stability, and certainly more to attract customers. What about the old Highwayman buildings at Threapwood - surrounded by nature and so much less likely to be a Saturday night troublespot. Mind you, I don't think a Wetherspoons is any sort of answer for the Wheatsheaf either. With Alton Towers on the doorstep, plenty of parking too - surely accommodation is where it's future use could benefit the town centre....”