Plans for a nine-storey building including a new community centre and 35 apartments go before Salford’s planning committee on Thursday (December 21). Approval of the scheme at the former St Mary’s Centre on St Mary’s Road, Eccles, looks likely after the housing group ForHousing bought the land from the city council two months ago. But there are objections to the plan, which would see the community centre occupy the ground floor of the building with the apartments above. One bemoans the potential loss of green space, describing it as ‘unacceptable’: “Available green space should be protected, not built on,” they said. “There are brownfield sites available locally, so there is no justification for building on the green lungs of Eccles centre.” Responding, a planning officer says: “The site is previously developed land and is not public space. “The turfed green space that is currently on site was only ever intended to be a temporary surface following the demolition of the former building.” Another objector says the proposal will impact parking: “On-street parking is already very limited and in intense demand by existing residents and shoppers and commuters (to avoid paying),” they say. “Provision for parking for residents with mobility issues is also limited. Some existing residents pay for a permit on St Mary’s car park – the proposal may add pressure to the availability of these spaces.” The officer replies: “Any existing permit holders will not be impacted by this proposal. Highways officers have confirmed that [residents of] this development will not be eligible for permits for parking in neighbouring streets where there is an existing resident permit scheme in place.” One objector asks the authority to consider an alternative and rebuild a community centre for community use, but the officer responded by saying only the development that has been proposed can be considered. Another nearby resident says: “The loss of green amenity and natural light is unacceptable.” Officers have recommended approval of the scheme conditional on a financial contribution of nearly £8,000 towards tree planting in Eccles. They also want outdoor and indoor sports facilities at a leisure centre and public improvements, including at Eccles train station, Church Street, Eccles Market Cross. Other public realm projects at Eccles town centre in line with ‘Eccles vision’.
