No joy for Accrue in Old Trafford

The investor’s proposal to redevelop the site of the former B&Q store on Great Stone Road into 333 apartments was minded for refusal by councillors for a second time, despite being scaled back by 100 units. 

Accrue Capital wants to build 333 apartments on the site close to Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground but concerns over the scale and density of the scheme prevented it from being approved. 

The proposed development comprises three blocks varying in size from four to nine storeys. 

Councillors at Trafford Council’s planning committee meeting this week also cited a lack of affordable housing as a concern. 

Accrue is proposing that 10% of the homes be designated as affordable but Trafford wants that figure to be increased to 40%. 

A viability assessment commissioned by Accrue failed to demonstrate that the 10% offer could not be increased, according to the council. 

It also noted that the application, lodged in June, failed to contribute financially towards the provision of a primary school in the area. 

However, Accrue lodged an appeal against the non-determination of the scheme before the meeting took place, meaning that the planning committee’s decision does not represent an outright refusal.

Great Stone Road B&Q Resi Accrue 3

O’Connell East Architects designed the project

A decision on the non-determination appeal is pending. Accrue’s earlier proposal, for a 12-storey, 433-apartment scheme, was rejected in March 2019 with neighbouring Lancashire CCC among the most vocal critics. 

Since the 2019 rejection, the council has announced its willingness to look at using compulsory purchase powers at the site to help bring forward its Civic Quarter masterplan.

According to the masterplan, the former B&Q site is suitable for a development of four storeys, with possibilities including parking, a leisure centre and “possibly a mix of higher value uses”. 

“A high-density residential scheme does not accord with the vision for this site,” planning officers said in a report ahead of this week’s meeting. 

Accrue’s architect for the project is O’Connell East Architects, and the planning advisor is WSP.

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The area is on the up but this is far too big. Flat should be reserved for town centres, we need more houses.

By Dan

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