Plans to reconfigure the inside of a Cheshire hospice building have been withdrawn.

The Hospice of the Good Shepard in Chester had put forward an application for listed building consent for improvements and changes to part of its site on Gordon Lane in Backford.

The hospice was opened in 1989 by Princess Diana and part of it occupies the Grade II listed former Backford Vicarage, although the wider site has undergone expansion and modernisation since.

The application was for internal alterations to the existing layout of a preparation area and laying-in rest rooms. The plans said the work would include "minor reconfiguration" of partitions and door openings.

The planned work also included the replacement of existing "decaying" external timber doors with new UPVC or powder-coated aluminium doors designed to match the style, proportions and appearance of the existing doors, ensuring what the application said would be the "character and significance" of the listed building is preserved.

A design and access statement submitted in support, said: "The existing doors are beyond economic repair and are not considered suitable for the proposed use and security or privacy of residents and family members.

"The hospice provides sensitive end-of-life care, and the proposals seek to improve dignity, privacy and operational efficiency for patients, families and staff, while ensuring compliance with current standards."

It said that all demolition and alteration works would be "carried out carefully" by suitably experienced contractors, with particular regard to the protection of historic fabric.

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The application concluded: "The proposed internal alterations and external door replacements have been carefully designed to respect the character, fabric and significance of the listed building.

"The works will be undertaken sensitively, using appropriate materials and methods, and will ensure the building continues to serve an important community function while preserving its historic interest."

The plans were submitted in January but according to the council's planning portal have now been withdrawn.