Trafford Council is challenging the Secretary of State’s recent decision to grant outline planning permission to Peel NRE for a 19,000sqm industrial scheme in Carrington.
Peel NRE applied for industrial, storage and distribution floorspace at Manchester Road but the Council refused it on the grounds that the scheme did not provide appropriate funding for infrastructure. The Council considered that Peel should contribute £5.4m towards the Carrington Relief Road and other infrastructure.
However, Peel appealed against the decision and the presiding planning inspector ruled in Peel’s favour in July.
Following a detailed review, the Council considers there are legal grounds to challenge the decision. It is contesting the lawfulness of the planning decision made by the Secretary of State and is seeking to have it quashed by the Court.
The challenge says that the adopted planning policy for the New Carrington allocation in the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone plan was misapplied, and that the Inspector incorrectly deemed that no financial contribution towards infrastructure was required.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“Our priority is a thriving economy for everyone, and significant new infrastructure – such as the Carrington Relief Road – is vital to communities in Carrington.
“We were therefore deeply disappointed by the outcome of the appeal. The decision undermines a fundamental pillar of the Places for Everyone plan and puts at risk the ability of planned growth in Trafford to be supported by necessary infrastructure – making the task of delivering large-scale development even more challenging.
“The proposed development will be using the local infrastructure and we believe the applicant should therefore contribute its fair share for its use.”
The legal challenge will now proceed through the High Court, which will determine whether the Secretary of State’s decision was lawful.