The Planning Inspectorate has approved Trafford council’s core strategy, paving the way for major development in the Greater Manchester borough.
Following a public inquiry in September, the planning inspector has endorsed the blueprint for the borough’s land use up to 2026. It will be submitted for formal adoption by the council in January.
The decision will allow oil giant Shell to move ahead with plans to regenerate its 1,100-acre Carrington site, for which it is expected to seek either a development partner or a buyer. Under the core strategy, the former chemical works is named as a strategic location for regeneration, with the capacity for 1,500 homes and more than 180 acres of employment use.
The planning inspector’s decision also allows Royal London Asset Management to develop on land at Davenport Green, close to Manchester Airport.
The council’s adoption of its core strategy was held up by a dispute over land at Davenport Green. The council had proposed bringing 89 acres of the 336-acre site into the green belt. Royal London has welcomed the decision to allow employment-related development at the site, where it also plans to create a 245-acre rural park.
Gareth Dickinson, RLAM’s head of property, said: “Davenport Green is strategically located within the south Manchester ‘arc of regeneration’, which encompasses Airport City, the proposed new ‘MediPark’ and the new Enterprise Zone. RLAM is looking forward to active engagement with Trafford council and others to help to promote significant economic activity through new proposals for Davenport Green.”
Mike Cornes, the council’s executive member for economic growth and prosperity, said: “In these uncertain economic times, this gives residents, the business community, developers and agents much-needed assurance and certainty that Trafford has ‘sound’ planning. It sends out the message to investors that we are open for business and that they can invest here with confidence.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
