Trafford Wharfside Framework and Masterplan

Purpose of the Framework and Masterplan

The objective is to establish the overarching plan for the Wharfside neighbourhood and to direct future development with an emphasis on the area's functional needs as a "place."

The Masterplan will be adopted as an additional planning document, much as the Trafford Design Code, and will be included into it. A Masterplan's function is to guide the area's evolution by offering an indication of possible future growth paths.

The Framework and Masterplan will function as a foundational document of evidence for the Trafford Local Plan that is now in development.

Difference between Framework and Masterplan

Frameworks are regeneration strategies which provide a clear vision for an area and broadly set out a range of proposals, at varying levels of detail. Once approved, these will help guide future decisions on regeneration and can help to support bids for funding.

Masterplans provide more detailed guidance within a particular area, for example setting out parameters for building heights, density and locations for public open space.

Compulsory Purchase Order on your property

Currently, we have no plan to implement any Compulsory Purchase Orders in the implementation of projects inline with the Framework and Masterplan.

Building on plots plans

Currently we have no plans to build on any of the plots identified in the Wharfside Framework and Masterplan.

Identifiying a plot for a specific use and what uses are accepted

Our Core Strategy states that we will:

Identify and promote land for development within this Location to create a major mixed-use area of regional and international significance. The focus will be on opportunities for new economic (particularly digital and media industries), leisure (hotels and visitor attractions) and residential development.

In principle, uses that support this policy could be allowed, however, the uses identified in the Masterplan would be our preference.

Our plan to pay for development

The Framework and Masterplan are not delivery plans for the area. The Framework and Masterplan will help guide and attract future investment to the area.

Moving of metrolink tram lines

There are currently no plans to move the trams lines that run through the Wharfside area.

The Framework references tramlines being converted to “street running” to improve waterfront access but this is an idea posed for consideration should significant public realm improvements be made to the area.

Any such work would usually require significant consultation before plans are confirmed and progress.

Completion of consultation

Following the completion of the consultation, appropriate amendments will be made to the documents as required and will then be considered for adoption/approval by our executive committee.

On adoption, the Masterplan will become a Supplementary Planning Document and the Framework will be a material consideration for future planning applications.

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a document that adds further detail to the policies already contained within a Local Plan. An SPD can be used to provide further guidance for development on specific sites, or on particular issues, such as design.

Supplementary planning documents are capable of being a material consideration in planning decisions but are not part of the development plan(s).

Material consideration

A material planning consideration is one which is relevant to making the planning decision in question for example whether to grant or refuse an application for planning permission. The scope of what can constitute a material consideration is very wide and so the courts often do not indicate what cannot be a material consideration.

However, in general they have taken the view that planning is concerned with land use in the public interest, so that the protection of purely private interests such as the impact of a development on the value of a neighbouring property or loss of private rights to light could not be material considerations.