Work to convert a 19th century coal mine building in Mow Cop can continue after planning permission was granted to reconstruct one of the building's wings.

The application proposed to reinstate the building's south-eastern wing as part of the work that is being undertaken to convert the old building into a home.

The plans relate to The Old Engine House on Biddulph Road, Mow Cop - a grade 2 listed building which was originally built to serve a nearby coalmine, but had later fallen into disrepair.

The building's conversion has been in progress since 2012, when planning permission for the first stages of its development was granted.

The latest application, relating to the south-eastern wing, was originally approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in 2019, however, the application was resubmitted to allow part of the first floor to be used as habitable space, as the original plans sought only to use it as a garage area.

A design and access statement submitted by MAC Architectural Design speaks more about the plans.

It states: "The current owner, Mr J.Foxall aims to complete the project in a respectful and sensitive manner to restore the original character and architectural detail of the building and wishes to re-construct the south east wing thereby completing the restoration of the listed building to its original form whilst providing the much needed garaging and storage.

"The engine house would have originally appeared quite isolated on the site and by re-constructing the garage in the original form avoids introducing further outbuildings conflicting with the standalone building."

Approval for the latest plans was granted by the district council's planning officers on Tuesday (4th August).

The officers' report states: "Overall the proposed development would replicate the known former building and therefore contribute towards sustaining the overall heritage asset.

"The proposed amendments do not significantly alter the 2019 approvals. However conditions

should be attached including to ensure the garage space provided always remains available as garage space to serve the dwelling of Engine House and is not converted to habitable accommodation."

To read more about the plans, visit the application on the district council's website here.