A DECISION on whether a former hotel in Alderley Edge should be knocked down to make way for apartments has been delayed for another month.

Developer Harden Park Gardens wants to build 26 apartments in two blocks in place of the County Hotel, in Harden Park.

A decision was due to be made on the proposal at last month’s Cheshire East Council northern planning committee meeting, but the item was taken off the agenda due to a lack of affordable housing.

And at Wednesday’s meeting, councillors were told the developer had submitted a late viability assessment which could reduce the number of affordable homes it provides.

Cllr Craig Browne, independent CEC member for Alderley Edge, moved the item for deferral due to ‘incomplete information’ – giving officers another month to work with the developer on its affordable home provision.

Cllr Hilda Gaddum, Conservative member for Sutton, said: “I would like to second Cllr Browne’s movement to defer it, because it would also give us more chance to analyse it.

“It’s very disappointing but it will also give the residents a chance to get registered for public speaking, which will hopefully give them more confidence in the council as well.”

Highways officers will also consider ways to improve pedestrian safety between the development and Alderley Edge’s village centre, after Cllr Nick Mannion, Labour member for Macclesfield West and Ivy, raised concerns about the issue.

Cllr Browne suggested a pedestrian crossing for Wilmslow Road should be looked at.

Members agreed to defer the item.