Trafford’s £18m Sale Magistrates’ redevelopment to go ahead 

Members of the council’s planning committee were underwhelmed by the 86-home scheme but the project was granted consent after their motion to refuse the plans was defeated. 

Trafford Council and Seddon Developments lodged plans for the long-awaited £18m redevelopment earlier this year, having bought the Ashton Lane site in 2018. 

However, several councillors expressed concerns that the project had insufficient parking provision and lacked green space.

Cllr Dan Bunting was especially critical, labelling the scheme a “missed opportunity”. 

“There is a history of lacklustre developments proposed in Trafford. It is almost as if developers want to test what they can get away with,” Bunting said. 

Designed by architect IBI Group, the scheme comprises 40 townhouses, six semi-detached properties, and 38 apartments across two blocks of three and four storeys. 

Under the proposals, the council has outlined the provision of 21 affordable units, comprising 13 apartments and eight houses. 

While councillors welcomed the provision of affordable homes, several were not convinced about other elements of the development.

Cllr Thomas Carey said the scheme would have a negative impact on local residents, particularly in relation to the potential increased pressure on local primary schools. 

“The council is asking us to vote to build properties that will make the local residents’ lives worse,” he said. 

However, despite the concerns of some members, a vote to refuse the scheme against the recommendation of Trafford Council’s planning officers only garnered the support of four committee members and the project was approved. 

Avison Young advised on planning.