AN HISTORIC lodge in Knutsford will be auctioned next month.

Macclesfield Borough Council have handed West Lodge to estate agents after deciding it was 'surplus to requirements.'

On Thursday a spokesman said the black and white house in Mansion Drive needed repairs, but three garages at the back of the property would be demolished.

"It looks a more sellable proposition without them and the council has a duty to ensure it gets the best value for its money," she said.

The sale of the lodge, which was built in 1885, was delayed until the borough council had been declared debt free.

All the cash made from the sale will go into council coffers.

But last week neighbours in Woodlands Drive said they were concerned that a developer would buy the site and demolish the lodge.

A pensioner, who rented one of the garages for more than 30 years, said residents feared the worst.

"This all happened without warning when they told me I had to quit the garage so we began to get a bit worried," he said.

"Now it is at auction it is not going to go to the ordinary man because we can't compete with the developers."

West Lodge will be sold by Meller Braggins at Knutsford Civic Centre on February 28.

On Thursday auctioneer Rodney Jennings said he expected several potential buyers to turn up.

"It is an interesting property and should attract all sorts," he said. Knutsford Urban District Council acquired West Lodge in 1948, but the borough council believes it now requires 'substantial renovation and modernisation.'

The new owners of the Victorian property will have to keep the boundary wall in good condition and cannot cut any trees without the council's permission.

But they will be able to apply to demolish the property or convert it into a doctor's surgery, self-contained flats or offices.

"With regard to any other change of use they will have to apply to the council before they even go for planning permission," said a borough council spokesman.

"As landowners in the adjoining estate we have made various conditions to look after the general interests of the area."

smoores@guardiangrp.co.uk