AN Alderley Edge hotel which has stood empty for nine years looks set to be demolished.

Harden Park Gardens wants to replace the County Hotel, in Harden Park, with 26 apartments in two blocks, plus underground parking.

Members of Cheshire East Council’s northern planning committee will decide whether to approve the scheme at a meeting in Macclesfield next Wednesday.

In a report issued ahead of the meeting, CEC officers have recommended that the developer is given planning permission for the scheme.

The report said: “The site comprises previously developed land in a sustainable location, with access to a range of local services and facilities nearby and has good public transport links.

“It would add to the stock of housing and its construction and occupation would result in economic benefits, albeit relatively minor.

“The development would make effective use of a previously developed site and would also result in the removal of the existing unsociable use of the hotel and pub, given the proximity of existing residential properties.

“The development would improve the appearance of the site which has been vacant for many years, and has fallen into disrepair.”

The proposal was due to be discussed by members at last month’s northern planning committee meeting, but it was withdrawn from the agenda.

Officers at that time wanted the scheme to be refused due to a lack of affordable housing, but the development is now set to include three affordable units.

Alderley Edge Parish Council is opposed to the development, which it believes to be a ‘significant overdevelopment within the greenbelt’ – although officers insist the new apartments would not have a greater impact on the greenbelt than the current derelict hotel.

CEC has also received total of 11 objections from residents who have raised concerns over the development’s impact on nearby roads and the environment.