82 social-rent homes at Ashton New Road, Manchester

What was proposed

A six-storey building would provide 82 social-rent homes, landscaping, communal space, accessible parking, cycle facilities and boundary treatment.

“Proposal Erection of a six storey building to form 82 residential dwellings (Use Class C3a) with associated landscaping, car parking and boundary treatment…”

“The proposal would create 82 affordable homes in a 6 storey building which would be available for social rent. There would be accessible car parking, cycle provision and landscaping including a communal amenity area.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The brownfield site is a surface car park beside Ashton New Road and Grey Mare Lane, near homes, public transport and local facilities.

“This 0.28 ha site is bounded by Ashton New Road, Grey Mare Lane, Newcombe Close and Jenkyn Walk.”

“It is used as a surface car park and includes the site for the former The Manchester public house which was demolished in 2019. This part of the site is secured by a boundary treatment and consists of hardstanding associated with the pub. There are mature trees to Ashton New Road.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

The former public house was demolished after permission was granted in 2019 for its demolition and associated hardstanding.

“125187/FO/2019: Demolition of existing public house building (Use Class A4) and associated hardstanding Approved 3 December 2019”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, environmental health, flood risk, ecology, security and works officers identified measures or conditions covering access, drainage, noise, wildlife, safety and local employment.

“Flood Risk Management details of a surface water drainage scheme should be submitted for approval with a management regime and verification report.”

“Conditions should require an agreed a plan to ensure trees are protected during the works including hedgehogs and no vegetation works take place in bird nesting season. Lighting should be designed to minimise the impact on bats.”

Officer report

What residents said

Two objections focused on losing car parking, insufficient spaces, difficult access, event-day pressures and uncertainty about wider masterplan development.

“- This proposal is on land which is currently a car park that can accommodate 30 cars. These parking space would be lost to the wider community and only 6 disabled parking spaces would be provided for the 82 apartments, plus a parking space for any maintenance vehicles. Access to the new apartments would also constrict an already difficult road; - This night time observation in the transport assessment showed use of the existing car park by six residents.”

“- No surveys where undertaken during events, when residents experience high level of extra parking, a lot of blue badge holders, also the restriction of access to properties via Hopedale Close, and extra vehicles because of the changes in street parking, the 90 minutes stay puts strain on legitimate street parking for resident; - The transport statement outlines that the 6 spaces in the existing car park can be accommodated in the wider estate.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the affordable homes and regeneration, while a ward councillor supported the scheme but sought construction safeguards and adequate parking.

What members discussed

Members welcomed the social housing but discussed parking, construction disruption, daytime surveys and the legal status of biodiversity requirements.

“Councillor Richards said this was a very welcome application that would see delivery of much need social housing. Noting comments in relation to parking, she said that she hoped that Great Places Housing Group would seek to address and manage this…”

“Councillor Curley said that he also shared concerns regarding parking but fully welcomed the application and recognised the positive contribution the delivery of social housing, offered at a social rent would make for the city.”

Minutes

The vote

A councillor moved the officer recommendation and another councillor seconded it.

“Councillor Andrews moved the Officer’s recommendation to be Minded to Approve subject to the signing of a legal agreement to secure a monitoring fee for the on-site biodiversity.”

Minutes

The decision

The Committee resolved to be minded to approve the application, subject to signing a legal agreement securing an on-site biodiversity monitoring fee.

“The Committee resolved to be Minded to Approve subject to the signing of a legal agreement to secure a monitoring fee for the on-site biodiversity.”

Minutes