Plans to bulldoze a Trafford B&M store to make way for new housing have been given the go-ahead.
New Housing Development Approved
Up to 68 flats can now be built on the land, in Sale's Broad Road, Trafford council has said. These will be a mix of one- and two-bed homes, with the building stretching to six storeys at its highest point.
A handful of objections were lodged against the scheme by local residents who raised concerns over 'serious and unacceptable traffic safety risks', the loss of the store and the additional strain on local services.
One neighbour, Clare Davies, submitted a written statement to the committee, saying: "We don't drive, and if B&M closes down, it will cause huge disturbance [to us and] also to my elderly parents who live near Worthington Park, as sometimes they can't go into Sale to visit Tesco or Sainsbury's [...]"
"Please can you put this across in the meeting, as it would be a high loss to a lot of people if B&M closed."
Agent for the development Oliver Walker-Corbett said, while the loss of the B&M was 'regrettable', the benefits delivered by the scheme would 'outweigh' this. The new homes would also generate less traffic than the current use, he added.
Mr Walker-Corbett continued: "There has been extensive investment in Sale town centre over recent years to provide a walkable and attractive place to visit and spend time with family and friends, and providing new homes on this site will support the continuing regeneration of the town for years to come."
Committee Divided Over Parking
The proposed new homes left Trafford council's planning committee torn when they met to debate the plan tonight (Thursday, June 11). Concerns were raised about the low number of parking spaces proposed for the flat, with just 20 included in the plan, against a recommended 98.
Applicant Ropley Properties Ltd argued the site was 'central' with 'excellent public transport links', making it 'a well-connected area where reliance on private car use should be minimised'. Ultimately, officers agreed.
Liberal Democrat councillor Meena Minnis told the committee she could not support the development. She said: "There are 68 proposed flats here and at least half of them are going to need at least one car, I would say is probably fair. 20 spaces doesn't quite cut it, does it, for 68 dwellings? [...] I think it's a no from me."
However, other committee members disagreed. Labour councillor James Wright said: "If we can't build on this particular site, then I'm not sure where we can build in Trafford. It's a brownfield site. It's in a very sustainable location. You are close to a bus route, you are close to a Metrolink station, it can take you anywhere in Greater Manchester, not just into the city centre. We are getting much needed housing in a part of the borough that is very expensive. Not just getting much needed housing, we're getting affordable housing at the compliant rate, plus social rent housing as well."
Ultimately, councillors opted to back the plan, granting outline approval. This means the scheme is granted in principle, with the full details still to be submitted to and approved by the authority.
