PLANS to bulldoze a former Indian restaurant in order to build 93 apartments have been passed despite public objections.

The Bayleaf in Longbarn looks set to be demolished after Warrington Borough Council approved plans for a four-storey block of apartments for over 55s to be built on the 10,000m sq site.

A total of 47 one-bedroom and 47 two-bedroom flats will be built on the Harpers Road side in addition to a franchised bistro and hairdressers for residents, who will be of varying levels of care need.

Longbarn Bowling Green, a nominated asset of community value adjoining the site, will remain open to the public while applicant Lane End Developments say the plans will create 10 full-time jobs.

The Bayleaf site has been vacant since January 2015 and was heavily vandalised in February this year after a group of travellers set up an encampment of 10 caravans at the former Indian restaurant.

Approval for the plan comes amidst mixed feelings amongst Longbarn residents, with 14 written objections and nine comments of supported submitted to the council’s planning department.

But several objection were withdrawn after revisions were made to the original proposals.

Mullion Grove resident James Dale wrote: “On viewing the site plan I was absolutely astonished by the density of the development, with 93 units squeezed onto approximately 50 per cent of the available site area.

“If an optimum number of 93 units are required for the feasibility of the scheme these should be spread over the whole site, which would mean losing the benefits of the bowling green but allowing the reduction in height of the main structure.

“This scheme is not appropriate for its surroundings, and properties in its neighbourhood will be devalued – the scheme should be significantly scaled down to complement the nature of its surroundings.”

Another Mullion Grove resident who wrote anonymously added: “The size of the proposed building being four-storeys high is, in our minds, completely unacceptable.

“Our property will back on to this new building, which we strongly feel will overpower and dominate the rear of our property.

“We have lived in our home for nine years now, purchasing it when we were starting our family, and one of the major selling points was that the quiet and private location in which to bring up our children and if this development goes ahead as planned then we will have completely lost this factor forever.”

But, speaking to the Warrington Guardian when plans were submitted in April, Longbarn Residents Association vice chairman Lynn Colter-Howard said the development would transform an ‘absolutely disgraceful’ site.

She added: “It will be great for Longbarn and the residents of Longbarn.”