Battle to stop new homes fails

HUNDREDS of campaigners have failed to stop a development of houses and a block of affordable flats.

The controversial build at the council-owned Brown Street car park in Hale, which includes 10 four-storey homes and 12 apartments, has been given the go-ahead.

A new two-storey car park is also planned, with one space allocated for each townhouse – and another 57 for public use.

However, the plans by Novo Property Solutions and Southway Housing Trust met fierce opposition from residents – and split councillors.

John Groves, speaking on behalf of the community during a Trafford council planning meeting, labelled the scheme as ‘flawed’.

He said: “We agree that housing is needed, but not at all costs – and 400 objectors disagree there is anything exemplary with this design.”

He argued the scheme was ‘massively’ out of character for the area.

Couns Alan Mitchell, Louise Haddad and Patricia Young argued it didn’t bring any benefit for the area – and described the car park as ‘poorly designed’.

However, Coun James Wright disagreed and said the scheme will provide affordable homes in the most unaffordable part of the borough.

He argued: “This scheme has been designed to a very high standard with an emphasis on affordability.”