106 family homes at Land At Hinchley Road, Manchester

What was proposed

The application proposed 106 homes with access, landscaping, parking and related works, including a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses.

“Proposal Erection of 106 no. residential dwellings (C3 Use Class) with associated access, landscaping, parking and other works…”

“The scheme proposes new family homes and would involve the comprehensive development of the site in order to bring forward and deliver several key priorities for the city. Notably, new homes with a 20.75% affordable offer comprising social rent and shared ownership homes. The need for new homes is well documented as is the mix of tenures and types and this proposal will do both.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 2.66-hectare vacant grassed site has trees and shrubs, is open to the public, and is bordered by housing, roads and an academy.

“This application relates to a 2.66 ha site currently occupied by a grassed area with self-seeded shrubs and trees. The site accessible to the public. The Council have a land interest in the site. The proposed development relates to the erection of 106 dwellinghouses. Eleven objections have been received.”

“The site is located in Charlestown Ward and is bounded to the east and southeast by modern detached dwellings on Hinchley Road, on Caspian Road and Northwold Drive to the north, with the Coop Academy North Manchester to the southwest and western boundaries. The site covers 2.66ha. The site is currently vacant, and predominantly covered in grass, with trees to the perimeter along the northern boundary, and scattered across the site.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, arboriculture, environmental health, drainage, security and ecology consultees raised no overall objection, while Natural England sought further peat information.

“Natural England – have advised that they require further information to determine the impacts to peat, as the proposal has the potential to have significant effects to peat, and as such be unable meet the peat policy requirements of Places for Everyone.”

“Natural England requires further information in respect of sensitive construction methods to leave peat in-situ; a peat management plan; and an on-site habitat provision which makes best use of peat needing re-use, in order to determine the significance of these impacts and the scope for mitigation. Without this information, Natural England advise they may need to object to the proposal, and request that they are-consulted once information has been obtained.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Eleven objections and neutral comments raised concerns about congestion, parking, infrastructure, noise, privacy, open space, trees, wildlife and biodiversity.

“In additional, loss of open space which benefits people’s mental health, and is a safe space is raised. - The loss of green space, potential harm to local wildlife, and increased pollution are all major concerns. - Impact on bats and small mammals - Bats are using the existing trees to forage and commute at a minimum and may potentially be roosting within these trees.”

“- Concerns are raised in regard to adverse impact from noise, dust, mud on the highway during the construction period. - Concerned about the potential for overlooking of neighbouring gardens especially to Northwold Drive and Caspian Road. The existing homes here are currently afforded a large degree of privacy due to the dense vegetation and large trees. The boundary treatments plan shows the intent is to build 1.8m high fencing which would not be sufficient.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the scheme, and the planning officer said there was nothing to add.

Committee discussion

Councillor Rawson welcomed the affordable housing and asked whether solar panels could connect to batteries in each home.

“The Committee were invited to ask questions or make comments.”

“Councillor Rawson commended the inclusion of affordable housing within the scheme and asked if the solar panels would be connected to batteries within each dwelling.”

Minutes

Vote and decision

Councillor Andrews moved the officer recommendation, Councillor Rawson seconded it, and the committee was minded to approve subject to specified obligations.

“Councillor Andrews moved the officer’s recommendation.”

“The Committee resolved to be Minded to Approve for the application, for the reasons and subject to the conditions in the officer’s report, subject to section 106 agreement regarding the delivery of affordable housing, and a financial contribution for the monitoring of Biodiversity Net Gain on site.”

Minutes