A blueprint for Trafford's future until 2042, featuring thousands of new homes, job opportunities and a commitment to making the borough 'accessible and equal for all', has been unveiled. The plan also aims to encourage commuters, shoppers and visitors to switch from cars to more eco-friendly modes of transport such as cycling and walking.
Trafford's Draft Local Plan, which outlines policies for planning development to maintain the area's attractiveness within Greater Manchester, has been produced by town hall chiefs. It mandates the construction of at least 22,443 homes in Trafford by 31 March 2042, averaging 1,122 homes per year.
The first part of the 340-page plan, now open for public consultation until June 25, was published on the council's website this week. A second, more detailed document focusing on specific areas is due later this year.
The plan also aims to enhance diversity and boost the evening economy by 'bolstering the vitality and viability of town centres' as hubs for office, retail, leisure and cultural activities. It sets out an objective to build homes in 'distinct and attractive' neighbourhoods and to offer a good selection of 'high-quality', accessible, energy-efficient housing that people can afford, close to Trafford's 'excellent' transport links.
Developers will need to construct inclusive environments for individuals of all ages, genders, or disabilities, thereby fostering robust and resilient communities, according to new guidelines.
The strategy document recognises Trafford's affordability challenge, noting that house prices are significantly higher than in other parts of Greater Manchester, compounded by a stark shortage of affordable housing stock.
"It is vital that new development contributes to a supply of high-quality, affordable, and social rented housing," the document stresses.
Trafford Council is committing to facilitate the creation of new homes by maximising the use of brownfield sites. The plan encompasses both fresh construction projects and conversions of current structures.
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New housing must cater to various demographics, including the disabled, children, care-experienced youths, gypsies, travellers, and travelling showpeople.
Focusing on Trafford's ageing population, developers will be directed to ensure housing is adaptable for the long-term requirements of older residents.
Out of the overall housing target set, 4,500 units are earmarked for 'older person households,' which breakdown includes 2,500 standard homes, 1,000 dedicated extra care homes, and 600 residential care bed spaces.
The council has delineated the borough into four 'localities' for the Draft Local Plan: Trafford North with a population of 58,875; Trafford South (population 79,453); Trafford Central (population 56,156) and Trafford West (population 43,791).
Trafford North is set to receive the lion's share of new homes, with plans for 18,704 properties, while Trafford West is earmarked for 5,072, Trafford South for 3,860, and Trafford Central for 677.
Aligned with Greater Manchester's Places for Everyone (PfE) plan, which received approval in nine out of ten city region boroughs in March 2024, town hall chiefs have designed the plan to bolster Trafford's economy.
"Trafford aims to have a thriving and productive economy, making the most of its assets, town centres and key employment areas in line with PfE," the document outlines.
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It highlights the diverse economic landscape of Trafford, from traditional to modern business uses, renowned sports stadia, visitor attractions, and the Trafford Centre, all contributing to its economic success.
"Trafford is a fundamentally important part of the city region's economy."
To maintain this momentum, Trafford is tasked with delivering nearly 8m sq ft of employment land by 2042, including close to 2m sq ft of offices and 5m sq ft of warehousing.
The Draft Local Plan emphasises that sustainable [meaning green] and efficient transport will be a 'crucial aspect' and 'vital' for Trafford to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038.
"The council will improve the walking, wheeling and cycling network across the borough, making these modes the easy and natural choice and reducing the need to use a private car," it says.
"Trafford benefits from excellent transport links, and policy capitalises on bus, Metrolink and rail provision."
It says the A56, which runs north to south through the borough, while functioning as a key arterial route, 'also acts as a barrier to walking, wheeling and cycling' as well as east-to-west movement.
The plan is to 'tackle challenges' along the corridor, addressing issues such as cycling provision, bus infrastructure, and public realm.
The plan also covers car clubs, park-and-ride, sustainable freight movement including greater use of the Manchester Ship Canal to move goods off the road lorry parking, and crowd movement.
In Trafford North, a high-quality active travel infrastructure running through the full length of the Pomona Masterplan area, including links to Pomona and Cornbrook Metrolink stops and the Castlefield Viaduct features in the document.
Enhanced segregated cycle lanes along Talbot Road and crossings at key junctions will be created along with improved links to Metrolink stops including Trafford Bar and Stretford.
Public realm improvements to create a 'processional route' between Old Trafford football and cricket grounds are also on the cards.
In Trafford South, the council has announced plans to establish a parallel cycle route that will provide a safe and 'low vehicular trafficked' link between Altrincham town centre and the Trafford Centre via a new crossing over the Bridgewater Canal.
In Trafford Central, a cycle route is set to be created between Dane Road and Marsland Road, which will continue along Walton Road to connect to Trafford South.
Over in Trafford West, active travel improvements are planned along the east-west A6144 as part of the new Carrington Relief Route.
The consultation documents can be accessed online at www.trafford.gov.uk/draftlocalplan..
Hard copies of the documents will also be available for viewing at deposit locations including Trafford Town Hall, Trafford Council's Sale Waterside offices, and Borough libraries.
During the consultation period, a series of drop-in sessions will be held where council officers will be on hand to answer any queries.
These events are scheduled to take place at various locations including Stretford Library, Urmston Library, St Anne's Church in Sale, Timperley Library, Old Trafford Library, Altrincham Library, Partington Library, and Sale Library.