A BOROUGH councillor believes 'Middlewich deserves better' than the development proposed to tidy up a town centre eyesore.

Developers Henderson Homes and McCarthy and Stone want to build 29 homes, 50 retirement flats and three shops on the derelict land behind Tesco.

Cllr Michael Parsons saw the initial proposal, which did not include the retail units, and urged the developers to consider including shops in their plans.

But the Middlewich First member believes the three shops added into the scheme are a 'token' gesture, and he has vowed to work for a better use of the land off Wheelock Street.

"I pointed out the extreme importance for all relevant parties to acknowledge the fact that the land in question held the only remaining opportunity for the future retail development of the town centre," he said.

"As such, I pressed the point that any plans should therefore – at the very least – reflect mixed use and most definitely not be confined to housing.

"Unfortunately, the response was to be offered a token three retail units of undefinable suitability, built into ground floor flat spaces within the proposed retirement home.

"Middlewich deserves better than this and I will continue to strive to achieve the best result we can get."

The planning application is expected to be discussed at a Cheshire East Council southern planning committee meeting on Wednesday, March 7.

To view the proposal, search for '17/6233C' on CEC's planning website.