Kath Ludlam, agent for Egerton Estates, confirmed this week that the entrances to the new homes in Brook Street would not open and owners would have to go in the back way.

"They are just an architectural feature to fit in with the street scene, but you won't be able to open them," she said.

"I think they are worried that it would be dangerous to go out of your door on to the pavement by the busy road."

Egerton Estates won permission to demolish the rundown cottages in Brook Street and build 24 new houses in 1999.

But the false front doors have been included on the latest plans for the estate and will face the road.

The Alderley Edge-based developers have submitted new designs to include former bridlewear shop Just One Night and the building next door.

If councillors approve the proposals, the two buildings, which were bought for an undisclosed sum, will form the entry to estate called Lilly Brook. "We believe we are going to enhance the area because the main problem there is that it is underused and derelict," said Ms Ludlam.

In August, Egerton Estates revealed they had hoped to develop the whole of Brook Street to the former Norwest Holst building.

But on Monday, they said they were not trying to do a deal to buy the Liberal Club which is next to the row of cottages.

David Walters, a spokesman for the Liberal Club, this week refused to confirm if they had been approached by the developers.

"You ask them, but as far as I am concerned we are an independent club and own the freehold," he said.

"They will have to do something drastic to shift us."