More than 30,000 new homes could be built in Trafford over the coming years, with the bulk of development concentrated in the north of the borough. Trafford Council has published the latest draft of its proposed local plan, outlining development sites up to 2039.
The plan allocates 27,859 new homes, with 19,209 expected to be delivered by 2039, along with 285,000 square metres of employment land. An additional 7,500 homes and 410,000sqm of employment space are allocated through the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone framework, including 5,000 homes in New Carrington and 2,500 at Davenport Green.
Northern Trafford to See 76% of Development
The vast majority of development—76%—is allocated to the north of the borough, with major projects in Old Trafford, Trafford Park, Stretford, and Urmston. The centerpiece is the Wharfside development around Manchester United's Old Trafford grounds, which could deliver 15,000 new homes, with 8,400 within the plan period. The scheme is catalyzed by the proposed new 100,000-seat stadium and is expected to create 48,000 jobs, including a new city-scale park and potential reopening of the old train station.
The updated draft Local Plan contains 23 site allocations, with around 50 smaller sites removed since the last consultation. Council documents state these sites were removed because they would be assessed through the planning process anyway, offering no benefit from inclusion.
Civic Quarter and Other Key Sites
In Old Trafford, the Civic Quarter area around the cricket ground and town hall could see 4,000 homes, including 230 on the former B&Q site, 1,200 at Chester House, and 730 at Centrica sites. Up to 50,000sqm of employment and commercial space is proposed, along with improvements to Talbot Road and pedestrianisation of Brian Statham Way.
Trafford Waters in Urmston could see 3,000 new homes (2,200 within the plan period) and 80,000sqm of employment space, with highways improvements at Ellesmere Circle and M60 Junction 10. Pomona Docks could deliver 3,200 homes (2,000 in the plan period) and 70,000sqm of employment space.
Stretford Mall's regeneration includes 750 new homes and at least 10,000sqm of office/commercial space, with demolition underway. Other sites include 540 homes west of Skerton Road, 285 homes at 499 Chester Road, 188 homes at 88-118 Chorlton Road, 145 homes on Brixham Road, 53 homes on Lacy Street, 146 homes at Empress Mill, 180 homes on Thomas Street, and gypsy/traveller pitches at Philomenas Court.
Employment and Infrastructure
Employment allocations include 45,000sqm at the Kellogg's Plant in Trafford Park, 10,800sqm at SCA Hygiene Products, and 19,000sqm at Brindley Road. In Altrincham, 100 homes are proposed at Oakfield Road, 88 at New Street, and 60 at Moss Lane and Balmoral Road. Sale could see 60 homes at Stanley Square and 50 at the former Sale Lido.
The plan will be discussed at a full council meeting next week, followed by public consultation on its 'soundness'. Trafford Council faces a deadline to submit final proposals to the Government by year-end, as new rules would increase the required number of homes by around 6,000. According to council documents, the plan is designed to meet needs and be consistent with national policy.
