Cash row delays housing scheme
A MAJOR new housing development that would help tackle Salford’s housing crisis - providing scores of affordable homes - has been delayed because of a row over how much bosses should pay into a pot to improve the city.
Planning chiefs have put the brakes on Countryside Properties’ plan for 300-plus new homes on the site of a former factory.
Of the 302 properties, 52 per cent will be ‘affordable,’ available to people on average incomes.
Demand for affordable housing is so high in Salford that 28 people bid for every property that becomes available.
Councillors have deferred plans for the new estate, on the site of the former Eaton factory off Worsley Road North, due to a dispute over the amount of cash the developer should pay under the ‘Section 106’ agreement.
Councils use ‘Section 106’ deals when approving planning applications to ensure developers pump cash into nearby parks, sports facilities, road repairs or affordable housing to mitigate the impact of new-builds.
Bosses at Countryside Properties said they were negotiating with the council over the amount of money they will pay. They said they have already agreed to fork out £100,000 towards road improvements.
“We hope to reach a conclusion to our negotiations as soon as possible to ensure that we can move forward with this vital new development,” a spokesman added.
In a council report, officers recommend the plans for approval, subject to 52 affordable houses being provided; a £100,000 contribution to highways improvements; and an unspecified ‘Section 106’ contribution.
The affordable homes would be managed by Great Places for rent.
The other homes would be a mix of 148 for private rent and 102 for private sale. They would include 27 two-bed, 162 three-bed and 51 four-bed properties.
The factory, which once employed 1,000 staff making parts for trucks, closed in 2006 with the loss of the remaining 300 jobs.
Deputy mayor Coun John Merry said: “This will be another major development of affordable homes in Salford on top of the 58 being built in Weaste announced earlier this year.
“Over the last two years, Salford has seen nearly 700 affordable homes added to our housing stock, which is one of the best track records in Greater Manchester. We have another 700 in the pipeline, but we know that is nowhere near enough.
“We need homes of all types as Salford is booming, but social housing and affordable properties are particularly in demand.
“We estimate 760 affordable homes are needed each year in Salford, but local authorities need more help from the government to tackle the national shortage of housing as the private sector alone will not meet that demand.
“That’s why Salford council has launched a new housing company, Derive, to provide and develop truly affordable homes for local people and continues to work with developers and partners to tackle this complex issue.”