Controversial proposals for the construction of 400 homes at Hazelhurst Farm in Worsley have received approval.
The development will transform the site into a new community nestled between the M60 and East Lancs Road, featuring a new linear park, village green, and designated space for a potential primary school in the future.
Included in the plan are 80 affordable housing units on-site, alongside a financial contribution towards an additional 120 affordable homes elsewhere within the city. The land, previously part of Salford's green belt, has been reclassified under Greater Manchester's Places for Everyone initiative.
However, the project faced significant opposition from local residents and councillors, who expressed concerns about the impact of increased traffic on existing road infrastructure, reports .
The planning committee's meeting room at Salford Civic Centre was filled to capacity with members of the public and two Worsley ward councillors for the three-hour debate on March 20, which ultimately saw the scheme approved by 10 votes to two.
Local resident Nicole Marston, aged 26, highlighted that local services "are already overstretched," and would face further strain from the influx of additional vehicles.
One local resident lamented that the area's roads are "failing, with large pot holes everywhere", and some people find it "impossible to get off their driveways" during the morning rush hour.
Another objector voiced: "We do not have the infrastructure, I can't get in to my doctor's to get a face-to-face appointment, it's impossible, I've near enough given up.
"Parents can't get their children in local schools, the traffic is at breaking point, especially in the mornings.
"I'm begging you for the entire sake of the Worsley region, please reconsider this. Build your 400 houses elsewhere, not on green belt or green field sites."
Peel Land's proposal for the project included a financial commitment towards off-site highway upgrades in the vicinity, encompassing enhancements to bus stops, specific roads, and funds for new controlled crossing facilities.
Prior to the meeting, council officers had suggested giving the green light to the plans, noting that while the development 'would inevitably introduce additional traffic onto an already busy network', the impact would 'not be severe'.
However, Conservative Cllr Bob Clarke took a different stance, arguing it would be "irresponsible" to construct homes in areas already grappling with infrastructure woes.
He said: "You can't say that this is not severe, it's excessively severe because we're already at severe, and we can't continue pouring petrol on the fire trying to put it out, because it doesn't work.
"I've got no objection to building houses, but you can't subject the existing residents of Salford to abject misery where they can't get to work, and they can't get their kids to school."
Labour Cllr Mike McCusker, who leads on planning for the council, recommended approval of the housing plans.
He highlighted the city's population growth and the demand for family homes, in line with the council's preference for brownfield development, saying: "We have a housing crisis going on, this brings 80 truly affordable properties onto the site itself, and a significant financial contribution that will allow us to build more affordable properties off-site, that's a significant benefit for Salford council because it's meeting the needs of our residents."
Independent Councillor Andrew Walters, alongside Councillor Bob Clarke, opposed the proposal, while the remainder of the planning committee voted in support.
Conservative Cllr Robin Garrido recused himself from the panel to address the meeting as a local ward councillor, thus forfeiting his vote. However, he expressed concerns about the limited capacity for additional traffic in the area surrounding the proposed development, saying: "I am pleading with members to vote against it today, it's not suitable, it's not practical, and it won't work."
A spokesperson for Peel Land expressed satisfaction with the recent developments, stating: "The positive outcome from Salford's planning panel is the result of years of engaging with the council and local stakeholders to develop plans for a new neighbourhood that meets local needs.
"We look forward to seeing the delivery of a thriving community of new homes and enhanced green space for the local community."
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