A former church site in Salford that has become a notorious fly-tipping hotspot could be redeveloped into a social housing estate with 60 apartments for social rent. The land off St Boniface Road, once home to a Roman Catholic Church demolished in 2014, has been labelled an 'eyesore' and a 'dumping ground' by locals.
Plans for new affordable housing blocks
Construction firm Westshield and social housing provider ForLiving have submitted plans to Salford council for two new housing blocks, ranging from four to five storeys, arranged around a car park with 51 spaces, a garden, and a rainwater-fed pond. The development would comprise 48 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments.
The scheme, designed by Eden Building Design, features redbrick walls with painted red cement accent cladding. One of the towers consists of two smaller blocks connected on the third and fourth floors.
Funding and housing need
The project is part-funded by grants from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. It aims to address Salford's housing shortage, as the council faces a waiting list of over 4,000 households for affordable housing. In a statement, ForHousing development officer Lewis Knight said: 'ForHousing have entered into an agreement with Westshield to acquire the land at St Boniface Road, Salford and develop the site for affordable housing. The development will provide 60 apartments for Social Rent which will be capped at the Greater Manchester Local Housing Allowance rate, in line with Salford Councils strategic priority to deliver more social and affordable rented homes in the borough.'
Affordability and location
Knight added: 'These homes will remain affordable in perpetuity. The properties are grant funded affordable housing units and are developed with the intention of them remaining so for their lifetime. Realistically they are only likely to become privately owned leasehold units in a scenario where a tenant exercises their statutory right to acquire.'
The plot lies 50 metres from the River Irwell and the Grade-II listed Wallness Bridge. Three local primary schools, two sports and recreation sites, and grocery shops are within walking distance or a short drive, according to developers.
Historical significance
Consultant Gary Miller noted the site's proximity to the listed bridge but stated: 'Despite Its relative proximity, there is no immediate visual association between the listed bridge and the site, which simply forms part of its wider, regeneration-led surroundings.' He concluded that the scheme 'merits approval without delay'.
Salford council's city planners are currently reviewing the application.
