14-03-2025
The plan for new neighbourhood of 400 homes on 'treasured green belt' upsetting a lot of people
Controversial plans to build 400 new homes on 'treasured green belt land' in Worsley could be greenlit by Salford council next week. Developers Peel L&P want to build a new 'walkable neighbourhood' at Hazelhurst Farm, a large plot of green space between the M60 and East Lancs road.
Officers have recommended the development for approval at a town planning meeting on Thursday, March 20, despite hundreds of objections by local residents.
The land is allocated for residential development under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Places for Everyone, which Salford council agreed to join last year.
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Councillors will discuss Peel L&P's two-part 'hybrid' scheme at the meeting.
The developer has applied to build 155 new homes in the south-west of the plot, along with a 'linear park', a village green with a play area and other amenities. The park is a part of the developer's pledge to retain more than half of the land as undeveloped public space.
Outline permission is submitted for a further 245 homes, houses for the elderly and a school. Peel L&P has also promised to deliver 20 pc affordable homes and new, improved cycle and pedestrian routes in the area.
The application has received 386 letters of objection according to the planning portal, mostly contesting the 'disastrous' loss of green space and wildlife. Others questioned the 'affordability' of the homes due to be built, with surrounding homes costing up to £600k and 'affordable' often defined as 80 pc of the market value.
A number of local councillors have also objected, stating: 'We are sacrificing our Green Belt not for social or affordable housing which are needed, and we totally disagree with the developer that these 'benefits' clearly totally outweigh the substantial harm to the green belt."
Planning officers acknowledge there are 'a number of minor harms'. But they conclude: 'The economic, social and environmental benefits of the scheme are considered to wholly and demonstrably outweigh the limited harm identified.'
They recommended the application be approved with conditions such as the delivery of affordable housing and green space.
