COUNCILLORS have voted unanimously to allow former Mostyn House School in Parkgate to be renovated and turned into apartments and houses.

They also agreed a further development for three townhouses on the covered playground and 39 new homes on the school’s playing field.

Members of Cheshire West and Chester Council's strategic planning committee were told officers believed the saving of the black-and-white building on The Parade outweighed the loss of the playing field.

But Parkgate councillor Brenda Dowding said several residents in the nearby area were against the scheme: “The report points to the benefits in terms of restoring a listed building.

“However it is crucial to recognise the limited extent of those benefits.

"The building’s interior will be changed forever, some buildings will be demolished and  the black-and-white façade – certainly iconic when people think of Parkgate – will be just that, a façade."

Councillor Mark Williams pointed out English Heritage and Sport England support the plans.

He said: “It’s a sustainable development and I think it protects and enhances the area.

“In my personal view the benefits far outweigh the downside.”

And councillor Angela Claydon said: “I accept it grudgingly because I don’t want to see the loss of the playing fields, but I do think it’s the best way forward for Parkgate.”