‘500 homes’ plan for student site
PLANS to build up to 500 homes, shops and a school at a former student village site could get the go-ahead next week.
Salford’s planning committee will decide on Thursday whether to grant permission for the development, which includes a mix of riverfront apartments, family homes and commercial units at Castle Irwell in Charlestown, Salford.
Planning officers have recommended the application is approved, on the condition that developers stump up cash for nearby projects, and include a school, changing rooms and space big enough for a play area.
Land has also been set aside to build the school on the site, which is owned by the University of Salford.
Castle Irwell had operated as a student village for 42 years until it closed its doors in 2015. Many of the buildings were destroyed by arson in 2016.
A planning document prepared by Day Architectural says that the new homes should be ‘modern and contemporary, yet appropriate to their surroundings.’
“The existing Salford terraces could be used as inspiration in terms of scale, proportion and materiality,” it adds.
More than 100 retail jobs could be created in 25,000sqft of commercial space, according to a separate planning document drawn up by Euan Kellie Property Solutions, which is also consulting on the project.
This ‘is likely to include a small to medium sized foodstore,’ and ‘remaining floorspace would be in form of small retail units.’
The university scouted opinion by sending out letters to councillors and stakeholders and held public exhibition days, finding ‘minimal negative feedback.’ “An overwhelming majority of respondents to the consultation (94.2 pc) stating that they believe there is a need for new homes in Salford. 59.8 pc of respondents want to see more family homes built in the area,” papers prepared by Euan Kellie state.
‘Key points’ raised by respondents included details on the school, the affordability of houses and the level of affordable housing. But the site falls within a ‘low value area’ where no contributions for affordable housing will be sought, the document continues.
“The new development will also help broaden the new housing offer in Salford and contribute towards the provision of a balanced housing mix,” the report adds.