Trafford Council right to refuse development over affordable housing, say planners

A planning inspector has backed Trafford Council’s decision to refuse permission for a new development on the grounds it offered no affordable housing.

The application for the development in Partington was made by Redrow Homes and included 400 properties. The council denied the application as it failed to meet its policy of 45% affordable home provision.

Redrow Homes appealed the decision but planning inspector Christina Downes said:

“The failure to provide affordable housing is a matter to which I give very substantial weight.”

The council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, Cllr James Wright, said the council wants to avoid residents and their families being priced out of the area, and that affordable housing was a priority with any development:

“Therefore, we will do all we can to make sure people can afford to live in the area, that fair and inclusive housing will be built for all and that our children will be able to continue living in Trafford if they so desire.

“We welcome large-scale developments but they must be compliant with our affordable housing policy and suit the needs of the borough.”