PLANS to convert unused land into a housing complex have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council

The derelict building site will make way for 14 two-bedroom apartments on the corner of Church Street and High Street, if permission is granted by the local authority.

The build would also look to incorporate sufficient parking space with a private courtyard.

In the design and access statement, submitted by Darren Curry Architects, it said: “Since the dual lane A54 was formed, the old High Street lost its prominence and the success of business has declined.”

The current run-down buildings were last in use three years ago as a tyre supply and fitting business – The Tyre and Tread – but continued for another year as ‘Wicked Wash Carwash’.

Whilst operating on the site, the companies were provided with a profiled metal fence – which has since been removed.

The online document states that the buildings on the site are in ‘poor condition and character’ and are ‘visually detrimental to the area’.

It also claims that there is evidence of the buildings being broken into on a regular occurrence and used for rough sleeping and a range of anti-social activities.

According to the statement: “The site will provide a high-quality housing development in keeping with the local character and delivers new homes which are sensitively designed and well-integrated into its surroundings.”

The developers go on to say that the site presents ‘a real opportunity’ to significantly improve the character of the High Street area’ and provided a ‘positive gateway’ into Winsford.