A COURTYARD of disused buildings off could be demolished to make way for four new homes near the centre of Hartford.

The Hartford House Yard workshop site, featuring an office and a number of old or collapsing storage and shed structures, would make way for two sets of semi-detached homes, each of three bedrooms.

The homes would be set back from the road in School Lane, with access from an existing driveway next door to Relish café bar.

Developers say the workshop has been out of use for around a year – most recently occupied by Scorpio Signs.

A planning statement said: “The existing workshop buildings are of poor character, appearance and construction and in a bad state of repair, and would not be marketable for use.

“The various storage outbuildings are likewise of poor construction and repair or collapsing. Complete redevelopment would be required to make it usable for employment use.”

Northwich Guardian:

Two cottages on site were converted in 1974 and face onto the yard, and would be retained along with two parking spaces each, with a new hedge planted in front of their front entrances.

Meanwhile, the new two-storey-plus-loft homes would have a driveway and garage each.

The planning statement submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council said traffic levels from housing would be lower than during previous employment use.

It added: “The proposed development will be an enhancing replacement of the existing which can be seen beyond the entrance drive.”