Plans to build up to 50 affordable homes at the former Levenshulme Cricket Club on Elsa Road were approved by Manchester councillors on July 9, sparking fears that already 'atrocious' traffic jams could worsen.
Residents voice congestion concerns
The proposals by Southway Housing Trust faced significant opposition from the local community, with nearly 100 people signing a petition against the development. The petition highlighted 'already massive problems with congestion' in Levenshulme and warned that 'building work will make life a misery for over two years.' It called for the former cricket club to be restored as a 'real asset' for the community.
During the council meeting, local resident Pat Walsh described the traffic situation as 'utterly atrocious.' He said: 'The proposal only has one road in and out, it’s called Elsa Road. It’s already in a highly congested area. A couple of months ago I had to make a journey to Stockport, it took me 20 minutes from my house to travel 200 yards because Longford Road which it borders onto, sometimes the traffic goes a mile up the road.'
Council approves affordable housing development
Despite the concerns, the plans were approved. All of the new homes will be designated as 'affordable' housing—properties priced below market rates. The development will include 21 homes for affordable rent and 29 for shared ownership schemes.
Green Party Councillor Sam Easterby-Smith expressed feeling 'conflicted' about the plans, welcoming the affordable housing but worrying about transport. He said: 'My worries reflect those of the residents who have spoken around transport and that this development is quite a long way from public transport provision. It feels like it’s a car dependent development.' His suggestion to arrange a site visit before a decision was voted down.
Highways assessment finds no objections
A council officer noted that the highways team had 'no objections' regarding access. The council’s report stated: 'Highways have no concerns about highway safety issues within the vicinity of the site, based on the submitted Accident Analysis assessment. There are no objections raised to impacts on the local road network and junction capacity from the number of trips generated. Highways note the site can be well accessed by sustainable modes.'
According to planning reports, the former cricket club has been vacant for 'several years' and the playing field is 'overgrown with dense vegetation.'
