Plans have been submitted for 154 new affordable homes on vacant greenbelt land off Fiddlers Lane in Irlam. The site, currently used for horse grazing, would be transformed into a housing estate if approved by planners.
Forshaw Land and Property Group has lodged the planning application for the development, which includes 76 terraced houses and two apartment blocks containing 78 flats in total. All of the dwellings would be classed as 'affordable', available through the council's Salford Homes Search and managed by housing association ForHousing once completed.
Housing mix and design
The proposed estate would feature a mix of two-bed, three-bed and four-bed houses, along with one-bed and two-bed apartments. These would be arranged around a large public open space with native and ornamental tree-planting. Every home would include EV charging points, parking spaces and private gardens.
The site is currently described as a 'vacant plot'. A statement by ForHousing notes that the new homes will 'serve a vital need', as there are currently more than 6,000 people on Salford's housing waiting list. The housing provider says the estate would offer 'safe, secure and cost-effective living options'.
Funding and local concerns
The build would be part-funded through strategic grant funding from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. A planning statement by the developer says: “The proposal has been designed to achieve high quality, modern residential housing. The proposed development forms, height and appearance resonate with the local environment thereby integrating the proposed development into the surrounding context. Delivering a high quality “place” which is sustainable, safe, and attractive.”
Some locals have previously raised concerns on social media about the development, citing traffic issues and the loss of greenbelt land. The application currently has two objections. A statement prepared by the developer argues: “It has been demonstrated that the proposed development at the site should be acceptable, due to the development’s compliance with the Golden Rules, and the existence of very special circumstances in the form of affordable family housing which outweigh any harm to the Green Belt.”
