PLANS to demolish a disused building to make way for TK Maxx in Northwich have been approved – despite officers recommending it for refusal.

Bloc Limited applied to Cheshire West and Chester Council last December for permission to demolish the vacant J&S Motorcycle Clothing and Accessories store to build a new unit.

The site is located on the corner of London Road and Chesterway, adjoining Waitrose.

The application was referred to CWAC’s full planning committee, which took place on Tuesday afternoon.

Planning officer Rob Charnley said the application had been recommended for refusal as the current design plans were ‘not in keeping’ with the conservation area of the Hayhurst Quay development.

It was also recommended for refusal because the proper sequential test had not been carried out.

The sequential test, set out in paragraphs 24 to 27 of the National Planning Policy Framework, requires that applications for main town centre uses should be located in town centre locations.

Officers argued that the location was not technically inside the town's main shopping area.

A number of public speakers spoke at the meeting, including CWAC ward councillors, Sam Naylor and Paul Dolan.

Northwich town councillor Andrew Cooper and CWAC and Northwich BID chairman Gaynor Sinar also spoke in support of the application.

While some members of the planning committee expressed concerns with the application, it was approved following a vote. Seven voted in favour, four voted against.

A number of conditions were applied, including a three-year limit to start development.