Trafford Council backed by planning inspector over affordable home ruling

A planning inspector has backed Trafford Council in a ruling over the building of affordable homes.

The Council argued that plans for 400 properties on land at Warburton Lane, Partington, should be refused permission due to the absence of any affordable housing and the planning inspector backed the recommendation.

The authority, which has made the building of affordable housing a corporate priority, had stated that 45% of the homes should have been affordable. Planning inspector Christina Downes dismissed an appeal by Redrow Homes over our decision to turn down the application. In her decision letter, she said: “The failure to provide affordable housing is a matter to which I give very substantial weight in this case.”

Meanwhile plans for more than 400 homes at two sites in Partington were given the go-ahead at the last meeting of the Council’s planning committee, with a large proportion of their homes earmarked for affordable housing.

Cllr James Wright, Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

“Our priority is that we see quality, affordable and social housing being built in Trafford. Our borough has fantastic people, towns, schools, businesses and green spaces so it’s no wonder so many people want to live here.

But we don’t want anyone – particularly Trafford residents – to get priced out of living here. Therefore, we will do all we can to make sure people can afford to live in the area, that fair and inclusive housing will be built for all and that our children will be able to continue living in Trafford if they so desire.

We welcome large scale developments but they must be compliant with our affordable housing policy and suit the needs of the borough."

The approved plans by Countryside Properties for homes on land off Hall Lane and another plot next to the Ship Canal, will see a total of 118 affordable properties being built. Countryside Properties will also be making a financial contribution to the building of the Carrington Relief Road, which will help to improve the accessibility of the area.

Posted on Tuesday 2nd February 2021