Trafford Council has approved plans for a major housing development in the heart of Altrincham town centre, paving the way for 88 new homes on New Street.
The redevelopment of Albert, Chapel and Lloyds Courts by housing association L&Q (formerly Trafford Housing Trust) received planning committee approval at last night's council meeting, following extensive consultation with residents and the local community.
The approved scheme features 64 one- and two-bedroom apartments housed within blocks ranging from two to five storeys, alongside 24 three-bedroom family homes spread across two to three-storey buildings.
Significantly, 40% of the homes will be designated as affordable housing, and all properties will be built to accessible and adaptable standards, ensuring they are suitable for residents with reduced mobility.
The current homes on Albert, Chapel and Lloyds Courts will be demolished as part of the proposals.
An initial consultation in 2018 concluded that considerable investment was required to repair the homes, which were originally built in 1960 and now need significant structural and essential works, including repair to roofs, windows and doors, concrete walkways, guttering and communal areas.
The first proposed redevelopment had incorporated 138 homes in the plans, but that was scaled back after consultation.
The new development
The development promises substantial improvements to local green infrastructure. Plans show the creation of a large new open space for residents, while the popular 'New Street Green' area will be expanded for the benefit of the wider community.
The landscaping proposals include 49 new trees - an increase of 39 from the current number - and will deliver a 22% Biodiversity Net Gain, significantly enhancing natural habitats across the site. Additional play and recreation areas are also planned.
Every house will feature front and rear gardens, while all apartments will have private balconies. The development has been designed by local firm Project 3 Architects.
Ben Townsend, New Business Director for the North West at L&Q, said: "We're understandably delighted to get planning committee approval, and would like to thank Trafford Council and the local community for their input, which has helped us to shape our plans to ensure they fit with the vision for Altrincham town centre."
Councillor George Devlin, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Housing & Advice, added: "Trafford Council is totally committed to providing more new and affordable homes to help manage the housing challenges across the borough.
"There is a huge shortage of housing in this area, so we are delighted to get planning approval for 88 new homes."
Craig Smith, Architect Director at Project 3, said the proposal "successfully knits together traditional housing with modern town centre development".
"Following a landscape-led design approach, the scheme not only offers much needed new homes, but also large areas of open green space for the benefit of the residents and the local community."
