It could see a cluster of towers built in the city – but the plans have been opposed by some.
Existing shops could be demolished to make way for the blocks (Image: planning documents)
A developer has been urged to pull the plug on a £1 billion proposal which includes building Greater Manchester’s tallest skyscraper.
The plan by Henley Investment Management aims to build 3,300 homes at Regent Retail Park off Regent Road in Salford, but a decision on the development was postponed by the council’s planning committee earlier this summer.
The design includes a cluster of ten tower blocks, the biggest up to 273 metres or around 78 stories, which would make it the tallest tower in the region if built.
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During a three-hour meeting on July 17, councillors raised concerns about the impact the scheme could have on roads and services, especially in the inner-city Ordsall neighbourhood, leading to a vote to defer the application.
Fears were also heard about the potential loss of shops in the area if the plans were approved.
Today (September 2), Ordsall councillor Brendan Keville said Henley has “failed to listen to the local community” and asked the firm to shelve the plans.
“Since their original submission changes have been made to their application, however, these changes are not sufficient to make Henley’s application acceptable for myself and local residents,” he said.
“Henley should withdraw their application and work with residents to keep Regent Retail Park as a vital local shopping centre and an essential part of the local community and economy.”
Regent Retail Park has been earmarked for the new homes.
Coun Keville, who sits on the council’s cabinet team as an executive support member on housing matters, also wrote to Salford’s planning committee today with his concerns.
In a letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service he wrote: “The application transport assessment narrowly focusses on the immediate site and does not sufficiently consider the wider impact for transport and problem parking.
“Ordsall is a key strategic location which lacks sufficient public transport particularly located next to major congested roads.”
A spokesperson from Henley Investment Management responded: “We’re disappointed by calls to withdraw our planning application, particularly given it is fully policy compliant and was recommended for approval by planning officers.
“Our ambition remains to deliver 3,300 new homes for Salford, including 20 per cent affordable housing – aligned with national policy to drive growth and deliver 1.5 million homes across the UK.
“We’ve worked hard to reflect local priorities, including affordable homes, green space and a community hub. We’re actively working with planning officers to address feedback and bring the scheme back to committee in the near future.”
The application is not on the agenda for the next planning meeting due to be held at Salford council on September 4, signalling a longer delay before a decision is made.
A Salford council spokesperson said: “Following the deferral of the application [in July] we are engaged with Henley and their advisors and discussions are ongoing in terms of next steps.”
A map showing the location of the proposed scheme at Regent Retail Park (Image: planning documents)
Proposals include demolishing a section of shops at Regent Retail Park to make way for the new homes, but the existing retailers have been invited to return to the new site according to the developer.
So far, more than 460 objections have been submitted against the plans on Salford council’s planning portal, and more than 2,000 have signed an online petition to ‘save’ Regent Retail Park.
Henley Investment Management said they were “frustrated” by the vote to defer the application in July, after it had been recommended for approval by council officers.
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During the crunch meeting on July 17, Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey spoke against the application, describing it as a ‘complete new town in the sky’.
Hattie Charlier-Poole, senior development manager at Henley Investment Management, told councillors during the meeting that the developer had worked with residents to address their concerns throughout the process, including with public consultations.
She added: “This proposal is a vision for the future of Salford, with a new public park and a revitalised local centre.”