Dozens of neighbours have opposed new plans to build more than 200 affordable and social rent homes in Salford. Housebuilders Kellen Homes and Eccles-based housing association ForHousing want to build a 'new affordable community for all' on the former RMS Toys storage site on Pendlebury Road in Swinton.
The plans include 218 new homes, with four apartment blocks and 43 terraced homes alongside green spaces and parking bays. The properties would be a mix of one-bed, two-bed, three-bed, and four-bed apartments and houses.
Objections over traffic and flooding
But neighbours say the new-builds will cause significant issues for the surrounding roads. More than 40 people have objected to the plans. One local believed the additional traffic would 'cause utter carnage' and worsen existing congestion. Another described the current conditions of the highways as 'hazardous'.
The development area also neighbours the railway track. A statement by Network Rail warned that the site is in a former coal mining area, with shafts thought to intersect with the railway and presenting engineering challenges. The location of the tracks also 'increases the risk of the development causing flooding to the railway', according to the report.
Developer response and housing mix
Kellen Homes did not respond to a request for comment, but a spokesperson indicated they would be 'looking into' the issues raised by residents and Network Rail. The firm's planning application promises to create 'a sustainable, well-connected and attractive residential development' in an area with a high need for affordable housing.
The land is currently used for warehousing and offices that are 'approaching obsolescence'. Kellen's report describes the area as 'an underutilised and degraded brownfield parcel that fails to contribute positively to its surroundings'.
If approved, there would be 80 one-bedroom apartments, 92 two-bed apartments, 3 two-bed houses, and 43 three and four bed houses. Around 97 per cent of the development is affordable housing or social rent housing, with the remainder available to buy through shared ownership.
Decision timeline
The application is currently being reviewed by planning officers, with a decision expected between mid-October and December.
