500 new homes planned for derelict student village
THE run-down Castle Irwell student village is to be transformed into an estate of 500 homes – complete with a primary school, shops and sport facilities.
The derelict site, owned by the University of Salford, will boast new family homes and riverfront apartments.
Planning chiefs approved the blueprints on Thursday, despite criticising developers for not offering to build any affordable homes – available to people on ‘average’ wages.
The council classed the lands as ‘low value’, meaning there is no obligation for affordable – or social – housing to be built.
Coun Derek Antrobus said it was ‘outrageous’ that affordable homes would not be provided.
“However, when the planning regulations were produced and the supplementary document was drawn up, evidence showed this was a low value area,” he said.
“[That meant] it would not generate funding for this type of housing. Once that is agreed it can’t be changed. I think it’s a ridiculous system.”
Developers have agreed to pay £769,000 towards local infrastructure and road improvements.
Councillors added a ‘clawback’ clause, meaning additional cash could be paid to the town hall if the scheme is profitable.
Planning documents claim the development will generate more than 100 retail jobs – adding up to almost £5m a year to the economy – and give the council a £140,000a-year business rates boost.