Bellway builds Walkden momentum with 200 homes

The housebuilder is set to win consent for up to 209 homes on a site off Hilton Lane, neighbouring a plot where Peel, Redrow, and Bloor are delivering 350 properties.Bellway is planning to build the homes on a 16-acre plot, formerly playing fields and bordered by Peel’s development to the east and a nature park to the west. The land is allocated for around 200 homes under Salford’s Local Plan.Bellway secured the site after it was put up for sale by Salford City Council around four years ago. It was formerly used as rugby and football pitches by St George’s High School in the 1980s and early 1990s.A series of objections have been put forward against the proposals, with 65 objections received from residents as well as three objections from Peel.Objections primarily focus on a loss of green space, and especially an increase in traffic; traffic assessments suggest the junction of Hilton Lane and Newearth Road near the site is “already over capacity”, while objectors also argued the mini roundabout was “dangerous and not fit for the amount of traffic using it, without the additional traffic proposed” as part of the development.Letters sent to the council also argue Salford already has a five-year land supply. The Greater Manchester Ecological Unit has also signalled opposition to the project, arguing it would provide “insufficient semi-natural habitat”.However, ahead of a meeting later this week, planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval, arguing the proposed access to the site was “acceptable” and noting the site would provide the necessary amount of affordable housing.In a response to the timing of the application’s submission, officers said the plans were “publicised in line with legislation” and noted extra time for representations was given.The proposed planning permission comes with an extensive Section 106 agreement, featuring a £581,000 contribution to education; public realm, open space, and sports pitch contributions of £150,000, £253,000, and £170,500 respectively; and £275,800 towards funding a shuttle bus service to the development.Peel, Bloor, and Redrow secured consent to build on the Burgess Farm site in 2015.