Plans have been shared for a new apartment block in Salford with shops and a cafe on the ground floor. The site, at 51 to 59 Liverpool Road in Irlam, could get 32 new homes made up of six two-bed duplex apartments and 26 one bedroom apartments. It could include three spaces for businesses, which are likely to become shops as well as a cafe and deli, and a landmark clock tower feature as part of the building design. At the back of the land, space for 17 cars has been included in the proposals, and cycle parking for up to 30 bikes in a secured area. The site is a 30-minute walk away from Irlam railway station which offers access to Manchester city centre. While the application is waiting to be decided, it has already received 11 objections from residents which will be considered by the council when deciding whether to approve the plan. It is expected that a proportion of the proposed new homes would need to be designated as affordable. Affordable housing is in short supply in the borough of Salford, with demand for new homes outgrowing the number of homes available to residents. A planning statement submitted as part of the application has noted that there is “significant demand” for one-bedroom homes in the Irlam area, and that the development would “support the need for increased housing” in Salford. If approved, the development would begin with the demolition of the existing businesses on the land, followed by the construction of the new apartment block. The plan was submitted to Salford council by Manchester-based firm Cassel and Fletcher. The company has managed other projects in the Salford area, including Brockworth Gardens – a £1.5 million residential design made up of houses and apartments which was completed in 2018.
