A war of words has erupted in Salford on the eve of a massive decision that could change the city forever.
Plans for a £1bn development which includes building one of the UK’s tallest buildings is being decided by Salford council’s planning committee tomorrow (November 6), with a recommendation for approval.
It would bring 3,300 new homes to the city across ten towers as well as a new public park, in a massive transformation on part of Regent Retail Park off Regent Road.
Concept drawings show the biggest tower could stretch up to 78 stories high.
The developer behind the project, Henley Investment Management (HIM), has committed to 660 affordable homes at the site as part of its proposals, through a lease agreement with Salford council.
But concerns have been shared by residents about the plans, with more than 450 objections sent to Salford council about the scheme, and 26 comments in support.
The scheme was due to be decided in July but councillors at the time voted to defer it, asking for more information about affordable housing and the impact on traffic.
Brendan Keville, a councillor in Ordsall, has urged the planning application to be rejected when it returns at tomorrow’s crunch meeting.
He said concerns about the plans include outstanding fears about whether affordable homes will be delivered at social rent prices, as well as worries about the impact on parking, a potential loss of local jobs from the changes to the retail park, and the scheme not fitting with the character of the area.
His calls were joined by Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey who said the planning application should be withdrawn.
The row has also impacted the council’s planning panel, after Ordsall Councillor Ben Grogan announced he will not take take part in the meeting tomorrow, losing his vote on the decision.
He said the move came after a document was sent to Salford council questioning his impartiality over the proposals.
Coun Grogan said: “After meeting with council officers and the Monitoring Officer to discuss the issue, I’m clear that the claims are circumstantial and that the council has followed all the correct procedures.”
He explained that he made the decision to avoid any potential questions being made over the decision process, and that he will be attending the meeting alongside the public as a ward councillor.
Coun Keville said there are still concerns from residents about the developer’s proposals.
He added: “The resident campaign has pressured Henley into making some changes to their plans but this does not address the major outstanding concerns residents have and is why the application should not be approved at the planning meeting and Henley should re-engage with residents to address their concerns.”
Rebecca Long Bailey MP said: “Henley’s plans will have a major impact for the area and residents tell us they are still deeply concerned about a wide range of issues that remain unaddressed.
“It has been over two years since Henley last consulted residents directly.
“In the spirit of co-operation and implementing regeneration that truly benefits the community, I would urge Henley to now build trust with residents, withdraw their application, outline any recent changes they are planning to make and ultimately, to reconsult with residents to address concerns.”
Jay Squier, managing director at HIM, hit back, saying the company has spent years talking and listening to local people about its plans for the area.
HIM has previously said that the existing retailers at the site have been invited to return to the new development if it is approved, and that the development would include 600 car parking spaces.
Mr Squier told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s disappointing to read the latest comments from Coun Keville which once again are a complete misrepresentation of our approach to the redevelopment of Regent Retail Park.
“We have spent three years talking and listening to local residents directly through in-person meetings and consultation events, while providing regular updates across multiple channels.
“This has included a total of over 100,000 online engagements and 760 pieces of feedback.
“The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and as he acknowledges, we have adapted our plans along the way to satisfy numerous views expressed.
“In our considerable experience, the small number of actual objections we have received for a development of this scale and complexity is unprecedented.”
Mr Squier added: “We’re looking forward to the planning committee meeting later this week in what we hope will be a major milestone in the delivery of a generational development which will deliver 660 new affordable homes to provide some of the 5,000 families and many homeless on the social housing waiting list in Salford a greater chance of securing a home in the future.
“Our development squarely fits with local and national planning policy and has received a clear recommendation for approval by planning officers.
“It is a £1bn investment which will deliver the biggest housing-led development in Salford for 50 years, bringing desperately needed new jobs, homes, retail, leisure and healthcare facilities to the community.”
