Councillors have approved a 251-home development on the site of the former Stretford Mall, but acknowledged the plan falls short of their expectations, particularly regarding affordable housing. The project, a joint venture between Trafford Council and developer Bruntwood, will see a four- to ten-storey apartment block constructed next to the multi-storey car park in Stretford town centre. This marks the first phase of a wider regeneration scheme that aims to deliver around 800 new homes in total.
Unanimous Approval Despite Criticism
While the planning committee voted unanimously to approve the development, several councillors voiced strong criticism. The primary concern was the absence of any affordable or social housing in this initial phase. Liberal Democrat councillor Meena Minnis stated: "It's a real shame because something of this size should have social housing as part of it and what we're seeing is the part that's going to give them the bulk of the profit is being built first with no affordable or social housing in it at all."
Planning officers explained that the wider Stretford regeneration project would include affordable housing, with 25% of homes in later phases designated as affordable. This requirement was conditioned through earlier applications. However, the joint venture deemed it 'unviable' to include such homes in the first phase due to financial constraints.
Risks of Delayed Affordable Housing
Conservative councillor Phil Eckersley raised concerns about the potential for delays or reduced viability in later phases, asking: "What happens if those later phases become delayed or less viable?" A planning officer responded: "Ultimately, the council is a partner in this and is committed to this 25% in later phases and we submit that planning is in place to deliver that. Ultimately, if the next phase comes forward and there's no affordable housing proposed, that's not a position we would be able to accept."
Parking and Traffic Concerns
Further concerns were raised over the lack of on-site parking. The development proposes no new parking spaces, but 62 parking permits would be issued to new residents for spaces in the neighbouring multi-storey car park. Councillors feared this could lead to increased on-street parking in nearby streets and requested that existing parking restrictions be extended to operate 24 hours a day. Officers noted that a condition in the wider regeneration approval requires traffic regulations to be assessed and adjusted as development phases progress.
Design and Amenities Praised
Despite the criticisms, some councillors praised the scheme. Councillor Dan Jerrome said: "I think the design is really good and the materials used are really high quality... I also think the landscaping is good." The ground floor of the building will feature two retail units, with tenants yet to be announced. A public park is also planned to the east of the block, offering formal play space, open lawns, planted gardens, and seating. Jerrome noted that the park could become a place where people working in the town centre go to 'eat their sandwiches and sit down to enjoy the sunshine'.
Joint Venture Response
Following the meeting, a spokesperson for Trafford Council and Bruntwood said: "Trafford Council and Bruntwood are delighted that the development received planning permission from the committee. The King Street scheme has proved to be a success and now we turn our attention to much-needed housing in the area. This development is the next major step in the ongoing transformation and regeneration of Stretford and it will not only provide homes for residents but also hundreds of new jobs. The next phase of the development will see the delivery of affordable homes."
