Plans for 147 new energy-efficient homes in Old Trafford have been approved by Trafford Planning Committee

Last night (13 Feb) Trafford Council’s planning committee approved the application to build the much-needed new homes – 50 per cent of which are affordable – on a large brownfield site off Bold Street in Old Trafford.

The application by Homes for Trafford, a joint venture between Trafford Council and housing association L&Q, will result in 147 high quality homes including one-bedroom apartments and two, three, and four-bedroom houses on the site. The site, part of the former Tamworth Estate, was previously home to three high-rise tower blocks and the Seahawk Pub, which was demolished in 2013.

The vision for the scheme is landscape-led, maximising high-quality public realm, and celebrating views of the surrounding area. This will help create a place promoting health and wellbeing, as well as access to nature and sustainable modes of travel.

The development also supports the Council’s priority for a thriving economy and homes for all. Homes for Trafford will donate nearly £1m towards secondary education as part of as a Section 106 agreement as well as £15,000 towards local open space provision.

Active travel routes would be created through the site including the provision of a ‘Green Mews’ incorporating a Local Area of Play, a ‘Church View Gardens’ and a ‘Spire Walk’ creating a car-free landscaped route between Merlin’s Park and Bold Street Sports Ground.

The project team for Bold Street also comprises masterplanning, landscape design and architecture by Levitt Bernstein; Euan Kellie Property Solutions as planning consultant; Civic Engineers as engineer and transport consultant; Wilkinson Cowan Partnership as cost consultant, and Lucion as environmental consultant.

Ben Townsend, New Business Director NW for L&Q, said:  “We are delighted our ambitious plans for Bold Street received the green light and we are eager to put our spades in the ground and take this exciting scheme forward alongside our partner Trafford Council. At L&Q, we are committed to playing our part to tackle the housing crisis and we believe this it will create a landmark regeneration scheme in Old Trafford, with beautiful, energy efficient homes. It will also help support the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for businesses in the area.”

Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “Trafford Council is totally committed to building more new and affordable homes across the borough to help address a huge shortage issue and I am delighted that the committee has approved this scheme. This is a fabulous development and includes 50 per cent affordable properties, a much-needed boost to assist us with the housing crisis in Trafford. We are going to build a new neighbourhood containing 147 new energy-efficient homes in the heart of Old Trafford and that can only be good news. The Council prides itself on working with partners to create new, affordable homes within communities across our borough.”

David Magill, Associate at Levitt Bernstein, said: “We are delighted that the new neighbourhood at Tamworth has received planning approval. At its heart, the masterplan seeks to foster a neighbourly, community feel that encourages wellbeing and healthy lifestyles through quality homes, safe opportunities for children’s outdoor play and inviting landscaping. We have been delighted to work with Trafford Council and L&Q who have held these values as core principles throughout the design.”

Ellie Philcox, director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions, said: “Securing planning permission for this site is a major milestone in transforming a long-vacant brownfield area into a thriving community. We’ve worked closely with Homes for Trafford to ensure the delivery of high-quality, accessible housing that meets local needs and makes a meaningful contribution to the borough’s housing goals.”