Trafford Council has confirmed LSP Developments as its preferred developer for the Woodsend Circle scheme. Their proposed development will seek to be Secure by Design compliant and includes a mixture of 25 two and three bedroom family homes, 6 retail units with flats above and an improved bus lay-by.

This decision, taken by Executive Councillor for Economic Growth and Prosperity Michael Hyman, follows a consultation exercise earlier this year. While LSP Developments was the residents preferred choice at that time, they had expressed concerns about how the scheme's appearance would fit into the surrounding area and the future for current traders.

These concerns, together with feedback from planning and traffic officers were given to each developer and they were asked to reconsider their proposals and resubmit further information.

Cllr Michael Hyman said: "Throughout the public consultation and afterwards, the Council's commitment has been to ensure the selected developer's scheme was well designed, sustainable and would continue to provide much-needed and valued local amenities.

"From the original action group, the recently formed Woodsend Circle Partnership has evolved, which is great news for the local area. Having resident, business and community group representatives working together to improve the area and feedback information regarding the regeneration efforts and local activities is something we welcome."

All the revised bids submitted in July underwent careful evaluation by Council and Trafford Housing Trust officers before the recommendation that LSP Developments should be appointed was put forward.

Each bid was evaluated using the following criteria:
• Benefits the proposals brought to the community and regeneration
• Experience and capability of the developer
• Partnership and delivery
• Financial arrangements.

The Council and LSP Developments will now enter into a six month lock-out period to agree and finalise a development agreement.

It is anticipated that work will commence on site in the autumn next year.