Blackley church tipped for go-ahead
World Mission Agency wants to build a 1,500-capacity church off Chain Road for its growing congregation.
The plans involve the demolition of a former convent, located on a 2.5-acre Blackley site and the creation of a 57,000 sq ft, two-storey church to replace the current Winners Chapel on Salford’s Broughton Lane.
The scheme would feature a 10,000 sq ft auditorium for services as well as community facilities such as classrooms and a gym.
Several objections to the scheme have been lodged, many of them raising concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion due to the number of people using the church.
As a result, Manchester City Council’s highways team has recommended attendees be capped at 1,100.
Manchester City Council has recommended the project for approval and its planning committee next meets on 27 August.
In conclusion, the council’s planning department said the project “would enable the creation of place of worship within a well-designed modern building which incorporates facilities to meet the needs of those using their current place of worship”.
Mojo Architects has drawn up the plans for the church, with Zerum acting as the planning agent.
The project’s consultant team includes Miller Goodall, Tyler Grange, Orion Heritage, Arbtech, Harley Haddow, Mosodi, GIA, Roscoe Engineering, Land Studio, and Jensen Hughes.
To view the application, use the reference number 141622/FO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
At the same meeting, plans for a Jewish school on Crumpsall Lane return for another bid at approval having been rejected earlier this month.
Concerns over highway safety led to councillors to commence the rejection process for the application from charity Binas Yisachar, which would have converted a former care home into two-form primary school for up to 120 children with special needs.
The applicant has submitted more information relating to highways and the city council has recommended the project for approval once more.
To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number 143452/FO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
