Trafford’s core strategy approved
TRAFFORD council has just had its core strategy document outlining its planning strategy approved by the Planning Inspectorate.
The document sets out planning regeneration policies for the Trafford Borough until 2026 and has been the subject of an “extensive” consultation exercise, it said.
Councillor Mike Cornes, executive member for economic growth and prosperity, said: “This endorsement is a major achievement and excellent news for the borough.
“In these uncertain economic times, this gives residents, the business community, developers and agents much-needed assurance and certainty that Trafford has ‘sound’ planning. It sends out the message to investors that we are open for business and that they can invest here with confidence.”
Royal London Asset Management, which had a proposal for an employment-related development at Davenport Green incorporated into the strategy, welcomed the news.
Its park would be close to the proposed MediPark at Airport City’s Enterprise Zone.
Gareth Dickinson, RLAM’s head of property, said: “This is great news for jobs in Greater Manchester.
“Davenport Green is strategically located within the south Manchester ‘arc of regeneration’. These initiatives present an opportunity for a major economic driver in the area, with potential to create thousands of new jobs.
“RLAM is looking forward to active engagement with Trafford Council and others to help to promote significant economic activity through new proposals for Davenport Green.’
The council’s own executive committee also approved an extension to its 2011/12 capital budget by £8.8m – £8.6m of which will fund the cricket club’s redevelopment.
In total, the council is contributing £20.9m towards the cost of the club’s £30m stadium redevelopment project.
It will recoup all of its investment by selling land on Chester Road in Stratford to Tesco, which has been granted planning approval to build a 150,000 sq ft superstore on the land.
The executive also agreed to contribute a 1.5 acre portion of land in Sale to Trafford Housing Trust which will pave the way for a new £9m scheme to build 71 homes aimed at providing specially-adapted homes for people on land opposite the Palace Court sheltered housing scheme.
