Around 40 'truly affordable' social homes will be built in Winton on the site of a former church. Previously the site of St Matthews off Worsley Road, the 'underutilised' land will be transformed into two apartment blocks to help meet Salford's desperate need for social housing.
Plans approved for two apartment blocks
Plans submitted by Lancet Homes were approved by the council's planning office last week, meaning construction can now start. The £8m scheme includes two four-storey buildings with 25 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom flats. The new complex will also include 20 car parking spaces – including two disabled bays – and delivery drop-off point and cycle storage.
A design and access statement created by MPSL Planning and Design Limited said: “The proposals will make a meaningful contribution to the local housing supply, responding directly to identified housing needs and supporting broader regeneration objective.”
Housing association to manage new homes
Once completed, the new homes will be run by housing association ForHousing. According to documents submitted to the council, the weekly rent is expected to cost around £106.84 for the one bed units and £121.15 for the two bed units. The total cost of the project is estimated to be £7,870,040, with ForHousing expected to be given around £4m in grants from Homes England.
St Matthews Church and Presbytery closed in 2018. The 1950s 'lightweight prefab' building demolished in 2024 after a period of vacancy.
Objections and conditions
The application received a total of four objections – mostly over fears of noise and pollution, increases in crime, and pressure on local infrastructure such as GPs and dentists. A planning officer noted that 'there is no reason to consider that occupants of the proposed dwellings will be any more or less likely than any other individuals to engage in anti-social behaviour' and claimed other concerns had been addressed in the plans.
Town planners approved the scheme subject to a number of conditions around the construction works. The developers now have three years in which to begin the work.
