PLANS to transform a former garden centre in Acton Bridge into a park home site for over 50s have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Acton Bridge Garden Centre dissolved as a company in May 2017, however the site has not been operational since 2014 and has become derelict over the past five years.

If approved, the 0.44-hectare land on Station Road would be cleared and spaces would be created for nine park homes.

The former garden centre’s shop and office building at the centre of the site, which is still in ‘sound’ condition, would be retained and used as a management and maintenance office.

In a planning statement, the developer states: “The proposal provides a good opportunity for housing, meeting the affordable needs for many over 50s looking to downgrade or, on a wider basis, the need for single storey accommodation.”

Northwich Guardian:

Drawings of the park homes

It adds: “It is clear, with the national shortage of housing and homelessness rising, that this type of site lends itself for redevelopment rather than being left in an ugly and derelict state.

“The site is currently unsightly and needs to be redeveloped in the interests of the visual amenity of the village and commuters on both rail and road.”

Park homes are legally caravans with the resemblance of bungalows, due to the wheeled chassis being hidden beneath a brick or plastic skirt.

The number of park home sites have grown across the UK and are mainly used for residential rather than holiday purposes.

Site owners retain and maintain the site, with park home owners buying their individual home which is located on individual rented plots.

To view the plans in full, visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.