Council approves enforcement action plans over unsafe buildings

Major plans to tackle unsafe, unfinished, and empty developments in parts of Old Trafford have been approved by Trafford Council.

The Council’s Executive met on Monday February 20 to approve plans for the introduction of possible enforcement action to force developers to address issues at some properties.

A number of developments, located in Clifford Ward and one in Longford Ward, appear to have issues. These include: 

• Aura Court: Fire Escape and stairwell incomplete with substandard cladding
• Browning Street: Poor construction
• Empress Mill: Incomplete development, sub-standard construction, and partial fire damage
• Trafford Press and Veno Building: Incomplete development, sub-standard construction, and substantial fire damage
• Former Duckworths Essence Building: Landmark Grade ii Listed building empty and in poor repair
• 37 Seymour Grove: Substandard cladding
• 5-33 Northumberland Road: Development impaired by adjacent vacant derelict site

In some cases, and in response to safety concerns, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS), has served several Prohibition Notices, which prevent the residential occupation of several of the buildings.

Cllrs Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy, and Regeneration and James Wright, Executive Member for Housing and Communities tabled a paper to the Executive to call for decisive action to tackle the issues. Cllr Patel said: “We have spent years trying to address these issues alongside a number of partners including the Fire Service and we are now saying that enough is enough. We will not stand by and do nothing as these unsafe and unsecure buildings blight our communities. Developers must do the right thing or face enforceable action.”