Trafford approves reworked Chester Road hotel, Sale resi

Updated plans for a long-controversial hotel proposal between the sporting Old Traffords have been greenlit, while a fresh consent has been granted for Sale’s former magistrates’ court.

In a a marathon three-hour session that didn’t come close to making its way through a packed planning agenda – meaning members will reconvene next week – the hotel project was given a nod after two previous proposals had been stymied by Trafford’s planning & development management committee, also losing at appeal.

The bid from sector specialist Westcombe Group will see Accor operate a 171-key Novotel hotel and 61-unit aparthotel on a site currently taken up by a tinted, largely unloved office block. Previous plans had foundered due to impact on residents, with concerns over issues such as parking, and the overbearing nature of designs.

Officers had recommended approval, spelling out a “significant evolution” of the scheme.

Some members disagreed, with Cllr Simon Thomas flatly declaring “this is exactly the same”. Cllr Meena Minnis added that although “it doesn’t look anywhere near as horrendous” as earlier plans, “the problems with parking are still here”.

Against that, Cllr Michael Taylor said: “It looks like a phenomenal building, and compared to the eyesore there at present it’s an improvement. This will bring so much revenue to Trafford as a whole.”

Committee chair Cllr Barry Winstanley, previously an opponent, said he had also been swayed by the new designs by Ica.

Approval was also granted for Trafford’s own development of the Sale Magistrates’ Court site, where it is now working with a third development partner in local operator PIC.

Plans have been updated since the initial proposals, bringing it into line with regulatory changes. The scheme now includes 84 homes, 21 of them affordable. off Ashton Lane and Washway Road

Katie Daniels, director of advisor Euan Kellie Property Solutions, said: “We are pleased to have successfully guided this Section 73 application through the planning process on behalf of Trafford Council and PIC Homes.

“Building on the foundations of the original permission, CODA Architects – working closely with Trafford Council officers – has refined the proposals to ensure the delivery of high-quality homes on this long-stalled site.

“It is incredibly rewarding to play a pivotal role in updating the consent to unlock this residential development in the heart of Sale. The scheme will provide sustainable, well-designed and energy-efficient homes, including affordable housing and a pocket park, bringing lasting benefits to the local community.”

Development management consultancy, Make NW, worked closely with PIC Homes and Trafford Council to redesign and reengineer the scheme.

Matt Guirdham, director of Make NW, said: “It’s reassuring to see this flagship development achieve planning consent as it will unlock the delivery of much-needed new homes in Sale.

“As we all know, the financial viability of new housing developments is an on-going issue across the North. Our focus on this site was to work with PIC Homes and the design team to make changes that not only increase financial viability, but also improve the quality of the overall development and deliver better value for money.

“This has involved changes to layouts, enhancing the fabric efficiency of the homes and increasing the quantum of rooftop Solar PV. We now look forward to working with PIC Homes to bring these 84 high-quality, energy-efficient homes to life.”