Urmston retail plans move forward

Ask Developments is one step closer to gaining complete access to its Urmston town centre site after Farmfoods agreed to vacate its store.

The food store has complied with the decision made by Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in December to allow Trafford council to compulsorily purchase properties in the area.

Full planning consent was granted to Ask developments in May 2007 for 140,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including a 50,000 sq ft Sainsbury's supermarket, a new library, shops and 144 apartments.

A Compulsory Purchase Order was made on several properties, including retailers In Store and Farm Foods, both of whom objected to the CPO.