Salix tries again in Salford after planning refusal

Proposals from Salix Homes for new-build apartments and the refurbishment of two existing blocks off Blackfriars Road will again go before Salford Council’s planning committee after the scheme was rejected in July this year.

The proposals by Salix were previously refused this summer, after Salford’s planning committee went against officer recommendations. The committee argued the scheme “failed to achieve high quality and inclusive design”, due to the loss of mature trees, the impact on amenity space for existing residents, and a failure of the new-build element to integrate with the existing site.

Planners also said the proposals also “failed to provide future residents with good connections to communal amenity areas”. Salix’s application had previously been deferred by the committee in June.

The proposals are for a re-clad of two former council tower blocks – Westminster House and Canon Green Court – as well as the construction of a new part-nine and part-11 storey building of 108 apartments, designed by architect Corstorphine + Wright. The new-build block contains 17 one-beds and 91 two-beds.

Salix proposed the apartments as rent-to-buy, with the houses available at 80% of market rent with an option to buy after five years.

The plans will now again be discussed by the committee, again with a recommendation to approve, after Salix resubmitted the plans with a number of design changes aimed at addressing members’ concerns.

These include remodelling an area near the new-build block to create an area of amenity space and a seating area, with a series of pathways linking this area to Blackfriars Road. A residents’ entrance porch has also been incorporated into the Canon Green Drive-facing element of the new-build block.

Salix is proposing “replacement tree planting of a significant scale” to offset the loss of mature trees, while a highway running through the site will also be realigned to follow “a more rational and less convoluted route”.

Salford’s planning committee meets on 7 September.