‘We can’t take any more houses, it’s destroying the community’

Salford: Building too many houses on green belt land is a big concern. A local councillor says it risks destroying the community. Developers want to build new homes on land off Leigh Road. This could bring hundreds of new residents to the area.

Peel plans to build 295 houses near RHS Garden Bridgewater. Salboy aims for 26 high-end homes on Booths Bank Farm. Both sites are part of Salford’s green belt, now open for development. Many locals are unhappy, with over 1,600 objections to Peel’s plans.

Councillor Robin Garrido highlights traffic issues on Leigh Road. He believes the area can’t handle more housing. He says it’s affecting the quality of life for residents. Buses are stuck in traffic, making it hard for them to keep schedules.

Garrido mentions that the green belt protection has been lost. He argues that adding more houses isn’t feasible without proper infrastructure. The area already faces significant problems, and he fears it will stagnate.

Peel has adjusted its plans after community feedback. Last year, residents reported issues like heavy traffic and a lack of schools. Developers argue that new homes are needed to meet housing demand in Salford.

Salboy claims its plans align with the Places for Everyone framework. They say it will help attract skilled workers to the region. A spokesperson mentioned they engaged with locals during the planning process.

Peel believes the area is suitable for family and affordable homes. They initially planned for 350 homes but reduced the number after feedback. The application is still pending review by the council’s planning committee.

Despite local concerns, housing demand in Greater Manchester is high. Mayor Paul Dennett prioritizes housing delivery in Salford. The council aims to create 28,000 homes by 2039 under the Places for Everyone plan.

A recent report shows Salford has the highest housebuilding rate in Greater Manchester. They built nearly 8,000 new homes from 2020 to 2023, exceeding targets. The council also added 500 new council homes in the last five years.

The Salford Labour Party says homeownership is becoming less attainable. They blame previous Conservative governments for not meeting housing needs. They emphasize that new housing must come with infrastructure improvements.

Effective planning is crucial to support communities during development. Salford needs more homes, but it must be done responsibly. The goal is to ensure Boothstown and Worsley remain great places to live.