Plan for 400 homes approved despite traffic fears

A plan to build up to 400 homes on farmland near a village was given the go-ahead despite concerns over the increase in traffic.

Peel Land is behind the plans for the estate on Hazelhurst Farm near Worsley in Salford.

Residents said the area already struggles with the amount of traffic on the roads.

Peel Land said "robust" traffic assessments had been carried out ahead of the scheme receiving planning permission on 20 March.

The land, between the M60 and the East Lancs Road, will include a park, village green and a space set aside for a primary school.

The site was classed as green belt, but it has lost this status under Greater Manchester Places for Everyone housing plan.

Nicola Marston, 26, said: "My little boy goes to school within the area and a half-mile journey on some days can take 24 minutes."

She said her journey to work which is on the other side of Manchester is affected, too, and can take half an hour due to delays.

Ms Marston added residents are "absolutely disgusted" over the plans, which she feels could "pile on pressure for local residents, destroy the roads, and destroy the local community."

Conservative councillor Robin Garrido, who represents the Worsley and Westwood Park ward, told the planning meeting residents had "very sensible objections to the development" which he said included pollution, congestion, and problems for vehicles getting in and out of the estate.

Peel Land said it understood residents' concerns about traffic, and said there had been "in-depth scrutiny" from Salford Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and National Highways.

A spokesman said the approved application included an extensive package of improvements to the Worsley Road approach to the M60 junction 13 roundabout as well as improved pedestrian and cycle connections and public transport access.

As part of the scheme, the developer has set aside money for 160 affordable homes elsewhere in Salford.

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford Council, said the site was identified as part of the Places for Everyone process as being suitable to accommodate additional housing due to its proximity to local amenities and sustainable transport links.

He added the developer has "committed to funding a comprehensive package of infrastructure improvements to encourage, and make safer, the use of non-car modes of travel".

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