Peel to refresh Pomona masterplan as more apartments approved

After the developer secured consent for its latest scheme at the site between Manchester and MediaCity, featuring more than 500 apartments, Peel has confirmed it is looking to draw up a refreshed masterplan for Pomona Island.

Trafford Council’s planning committee rubber-stamped the latest proposal for the site at a meeting last night, which was recommended for approval by planning officers. This features three blocks, being brought forward alongside X1 and Vermont.

Designed by Falconer Chester Hall, the latest phase features a total of 526 apartments across buildings of 15, 17, and 19 storeys. The development forms the next phase of Peel’s Manchester Waters, where two buildings are already under construction.

Overall, there will be 216 one-beds – including 55 studios – 274 two-beds, and 36 three-beds across the latest phase. There is no ground-floor retail or commercial proposed in any of the blocks, nor are any of the apartment designated as affordable.

The three buildings follow a similar design to the two blocks currently under construction, featuring a cantilever supported by v-shaped columns, and rainscreen cladding. The blocks step up in height from the Salford Quays end of the islands in the direction of Manchester city centre. Alongside Falconer Chester Hall, the professional team on the project also includes planner Turley, WSP, Hydrock, GIA, and ESL.

The site secured planning permission for five blocks, which was granted in 2007, albeit on a smaller scale in terms of the number of flats; the previous permission, which has been implemented, had 135 fewer apartments.

Ahead of the committee, planning officers suggested the scheme should go ahead subject to a Section 106 agreement featuring an off-site affordable homes contribution of £1.4m. The Section 106 agreement could also include contributions of £361,000 towards public open space.

Officers also argued Peel should set out a refreshed masterplan for the remaining part of Pomona Island. Peel will be required to put forward an updated plan for the site, which is due to come forward before any further development on Pomona Island can be proposed. This is expected within a year, and Peel is understood to be working on a refreshed masterplan for the site with the council, including options for the remaining undeveloped portions of Pomona Island.

The original masterplan for the site was drawn up in 2008.