Trafford councillors have narrowly approved plans for the controversial Carrington Relief Road, despite hundreds of objections and warnings about the impact on Green Belt land and wildlife.
The decision was made by just seven votes to six at a fractious planning committee meeting last night, with members of the public gallery reportedly shouting "it's a disgrace" as the result was announced.
The road is considered essential to unlocking New Carrington, Trafford's largest housing and employment allocation, which could eventually deliver around 5,000 homes and 350,000 square metres of employment space.
Although the route lies around three miles north of Altrincham, the development could have wider implications for traffic, housing demand and public services across the borough.
The approximately 4km road would link the A6144 Manchester Road near Carrington and Partington with the Carrington Spur towards Sale.
Its western section would follow an existing private road through former industrial land, including the old Shell site, while the eastern section would cross undeveloped Green Belt farmland.
The proposals attracted hundreds of objections and a petition with more than 1,000 signatures, with campaigners raising concerns about wildlife, flood risk, the loss of countryside and increased traffic.
Friends of Carrington Moss argued that the western section should proceed without the eastern stretch through farmland.
Representing the group, Lorraine Eagling told councillors: "Not a single community group supports this scheme."
Ward councillor Charlotte Waterworth warned that vehicle journeys associated with the wider development could rise from around 7,000 to 30,000.
"If the relief road ultimately results in residents expecting more traffic, it's fair to ask if they are being relieved," she said.
Councillor Meenakshi Minnis described the scheme as "a disaster", while Broadheath Liberal Democrat councillor Ulrich Savary accused Labour of continuing a "war on our Green Belt and wildlife".
Savary, who voted against the plans, claimed more than 700 trees would be felled and a protected bird species put at risk.
"Thousands of residents have signed petitions and raised objections to this road. Yet Labour has chosen to ignore them," he said.
However, planning officers described the road as "integral" to New Carrington, arguing that the wider development could not proceed without it.
Trafford Council deputy leader Liz Patel, speaking in support of the application, said reliance on the A6144 had "held Partington and Carrington back" and described the proposed route as "optimal".
Committee chairman Ben Hartley argued that refusing the scheme would shift housing pressure towards other parts of Trafford, describing approval as "clearly the better option".
For Altrincham-area residents, the implications include potential changes to traffic patterns on the A56 and A6144, as well as wider pressure on schools, services and routes towards the M56 and Bowdon.
The environmental concerns surrounding Carrington Moss also echo familiar debates over Green Belt development in Hale and Bowdon.
The road, which includes walking and cycling facilities, is currently expected to open around 2030.
Approval remains subject to planning conditions, and construction will not begin immediately.
