A decision on plans to demolish a B&M store in Sale, Trafford, to make way for 68 new homes is expected this week. The proposed development would replace the existing Broad Road shop with a six-storey apartment building comprising a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats.
Planning Committee to Decide
Trafford Council's planning committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to rule on the application. Planning officers have recommended approval, despite objections from some residents regarding highway safety. Concerns include potential traffic hazards, with one commenter citing 'serious and unacceptable traffic safety risks'. Others have called for pedestrian crossing improvements on Wharf Road and near the leisure centre on Broad Road, describing the stretches as 'dangerous when it is dark'.
Community Concerns
A handful of objections have been lodged against the plan. Residents fear the additional homes will strain local services such as doctors, dentists, and schools. The loss of the B&M store is also a point of contention.
Highways and Parking
Trafford's highways officers concluded the new homes would not have a 'severe' impact on the roads. However, questions were raised over the proposed car parking provision: only 20 standard spaces are planned, against a policy requirement of 98. Applicant Ropley Properties Ltd argued that the site is 'central' with 'excellent public transport links', making it 'a well-connected area where reliance on private car use should be minimised'. Officers agreed with this assessment. The available spaces would be offered to two-bed flats on a first-come, first-served basis, with two disabled spaces and two motorbike spaces also included.
Design and Amenities
A cycle storage area is proposed, but details on capacity are yet to be provided. As the plans are at the outline stage, these details will be addressed in a later reserved matters application. Officers stated that the scheme would provide a 'positive enhancement' through landscaping, creating a 'significant improvement over the existing site'. They believe there would be 'no direct harm' to nearby residents and that all flats comply with national space standards.
The planning committee is set to rule on the development on Thursday, June 11.
