Dozens of Boothstown residents took to the streets on Monday to protest plans for a 'new neighbourhood' on greenbelt land near RHS Bridgewater. The demonstration, which drew around 80 locals, marched from Leigh Road to Occupation Road ahead of a planning meeting later this week where officers have recommended the application for approval.
Protest over 282 homes on greenbelt
Peel Land has submitted plans to build almost 300 homes on a strip of land between Leigh Road and RHS Bridgewater. The development includes 282 semi-detached family homes and a new road layout. Nearly 2,600 people have objected to the proposal, which locals say threatens the semi-rural character of Boothstown.
Councillor Darren Ward, who attended the march, said: “This inappropriate development is simply not welcome. This peaceful, community-led demonstration proved exactly how deeply our residents feel about protecting Boothstown’s Green Belt.” He added: “Our medical infrastructure is at breaking point, schools are full, and our roads are completely broken.”
Community support and concerns
Protesters formed a demonstration chain along the roadside, receiving support from motorists who honked their horns. Locals carried banners and chanted as they walked. The land has been allocated for development under Places for Everyone, a scheme to bring tens of thousands of new homes to nine of ten Greater Manchester districts.
However, residents argue the plans have 'not been thought through', citing 'outdated' traffic surveys used to design road layouts. They fear the development will strain local infrastructure.
Developer and council position
Planning officers claim the allocation is vital to providing 'high-quality family homes' in Salford and that the scheme 'would deliver significant, long-term, demonstrable benefits' if approved. A spokesperson for Peel Land previously said: “It is an exceptional development that has been many years in the making and will provide some of the highest quality housing in Salford and Greater Manchester in a stunning setting with RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Canal on its doorstep. Importantly, it will make a major contribution towards affordable housing shortfalls in Salford and will deliver on the allocation of Places for Everyone.”
Councillors will vote on the development on Thursday, July 16.
