Plans tabled for Harlex’s World of Pets revamp 

James Nicholson’s development company wants to build 116 “energy-efficient” homes on the Timperley site, a scheme that aims to go some way towards addressing Trafford Council’s poor housing delivery record. 

Harlex Property has lodged an outline planning application for the Thorley Lane project following a public consultation on the proposals. The company claims the development, designed by Northmill Associates, would help Trafford Council make up some ground in terms of housing delivery.

“It is clear that there is pent-up demand for new housing in Timperley,” Nicholson said. 

“This has been reflected in the number of people wanting to register their interest in a new home and the level of response we’ve received to our consultation overall.” 

The 2020 Housing Delivery Test identifies that the authority only delivered 61% of the homes needed over the past three years, according to planning consultant Rapleys. 

“Trafford currently falls within the bottom 10% of authorities in England for housing delivery,” Rapleys added. “The proposed development will deliver a substantial contribution towards this significant identified market housing shortfall.” 

The development would comprise a 45% provision of affordable properties available for shared ownership and social rent. 

Harlex bought the 7.2-acre site in 2018 in a deal backed by the Residential Land Partnership fund. 

Allocated for housing under the Places for Everyone plan, the site comprises the former World of Pets and World of Water outlets, and the former Wyevale Garden Centre. 

Nicholson added: “With over half of the World of Pets site previously developed and Trafford Council’s increasing need to find new land for housing to meet its targets, I very much hope that the planning department and elected members will see the proposals as an exceptional opportunity to deliver quality, affordable homes for everyone.” 

Harlex’s plans feature a new park and wildlife corridor as well as pedestrian and cycle routes through the site.