Salford Liberal Democrats say that today (Thursday 6th November) they expressed their outrage following a decision made by the Planning & Transportation Regulatory Panel, which took a 3/7 vote to approve the controversial redevelopment of Regent Retail Park, claiming that they considered that planners had ignored what they say to be overwhelming evidence of the scheme’s dangers to local residents and the decision to be “A triumph of party loyalty over public interest”
“Tonight Labour councillors chose to protect developers’ profits instead of Salford people,” claimed Salford Quays Councillor, Paul Heilbron, who went on to say, “They waved through 3,300 unaffordable flats, permanent gridlock and even dirtier air—without securing a single new GP surgery or any guaranteed school places. It is a disaster signed, sealed and delivered by Labour.”
The liberal democrats went on to make the claim that “Developers got everything—residents got nothing”
John Grant, Chair of Salford Liberal Democrats, added:
“Labour councillors ignored 1,200 objections, side‑lined our petition and dismissed expert warnings on air quality and congestion. Their decision hands a blank cheque to developers and a bill for chaos to Salford families.”
Save Regent Retail Park Campaign (SRRPC) was established in August 2024 at a public meeting of Ordsall residents concerned with a proposed development of Regent Retail Park.
Bosses behind the plans said it will be the ‘biggest housing-led development in Salford for 50 years’, with a commitment to build 660 affordable homes at the site as well as a local centre, a public park, and space for healthcare facilities.
They told the panel that the development would pump an estimated £3.7m a year into the city through council tax and bring many other benefits.
Salford currently has some 5,000 people on its housing register, and is facing huge demand for new homes across the city.
But concerns were raised by some within the Labour Party itself at today’s planning meeting over whether the scheme would benefit the city overall.
Local Labour Councillor Brendan Keville, said:
“Since campaigning against Henley’s plans SRRPC has pressured Henley into making significant changes such as committing to affordable social housing, inclusion of health facilities at the site, funding a resident permit parking scheme and retaining some shops in operation until new shops are provided. I don’t believe these changes would of happened without the tireless campaigning of local residents.
However, there are outstanding significant concerns the community have with Henley plans.
As a community we will work together to identify next steps for the campaign and that Henley listen and respond to resident’s concerns for their plans”
Labour MP for Salford, Rebecca Long-Bailey MP spoke about the need for more services needing to be provided within the area and urged HIM to withdraw its planning application and to reconsult with residents over the plans.
She added: “With the increase in population in 6 to 7,000 residents, there will be a need for extra GP places, school places, dentist places and a chemist, and at the moment there are still too many questions left unanswered.”
In a press release following the decision, Rebecca said:
“Residents will be feeling worried after the planning meeting that they still have not got answers to genuine concerns with Henley’s plans. Henley made a commitment as part of their planning approval to reengage and reconsult with local residents on their plans. Myself and the Ordsall councillors will be supporting local residents in holding Henley to account to this commitment so that residents are genuinely listened to and Henley act on these concerns.
In total more than 460 letters of objections were received by Salford City Council with regards to the scheme, with valid concerns ranging from fears about the loss of shops at the Retail Park to concerns about how the scheme could impact local roads and parking.
To alleviate these concerns, HIM submitted new information dismissing the claims which was subsequently shared at the planning meeting.
The developer says that it has highlighted its commitment to reserving 660 homes for ‘social rent or another form approved by the city council’ through a lease agreement with the town hall.
An updated information pack also stated that healthcare services could be set up within the site, with the NHS to be offered ‘first refusal’ on floorspace to meet any ‘evidenced needs’ in the area.
Salford council officers also noted in the planning report that the lease agreement would ‘provide the mechanism to secure the affordable housing offer’, and despite claims to the contrary, the 3,300 new homes ‘would not result in any severe impact on the highway network’.
A blueprint of the site presented to the panel, showed it will have 10,000 sqm of space set aside for community uses as well as shops and businesses.
The SRRPC campaign group says that it will continue campaigning to ensure Henley listen and respond to the concerns of the local community.
