The Planning Committee of Manchester Council met on Thursday, 27 August 2026, to consider two planning applications. The committee approved the change of use of a former care home to a primary school in Crumpsall, and also approved the erection of a place of worship in Higher Blackley.

143452/FO/2025 - 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR - Crumpsall Ward

The committee approved the application to change the use of the former Westwood Nursing Home at 69 Crumpsall Lane[^1] from a vacant care home (Class C2) to an independent two-form entry primary school (Class F1), including early years provision and associated facilities. This decision followed previous deferrals and a minded to refuse resolution due to concerns about increased traffic and parking pressures.

The applicant provided further information addressing these concerns, highlighting the unique travel patterns of the school community, where private car use is significantly lower than average due to religious observance among parents. The Highways Authority reviewed this information and raised no objection, concluding that the net increase in traffic would be limited and unlikely to have a material impact on the local highway network.

Despite initial concerns from objectors regarding traffic, parking, and potential noise, the committee was satisfied with the additional information and the proposed mitigation measures. A key factor in the decision was the agreement to strengthen a condition related to traffic monitoring and data submission, with data to be collected every six months. This condition, along with others designed to manage traffic and ensure safety, provided the committee with the necessary reassurance to approve the application. Councillor Fiaz Riasat declared a prejudicial interest and withdrew from the meeting for this item.

141622/FO/2024 - 114 Chain Road, Manchester, M9 6GN - Higher Blackley Ward

The committee also approved the application for the erection of a place of worship (Use Class F1) at 114 Chain Road[^2], following the demolition of existing former convent buildings, with associated landscaping, parking, and alterations to the existing access. This decision was made despite 25 objections from neighbouring residents and schools, primarily concerning traffic, noise, and parking.

The Planning Officer reported that changes had been made to the conditions, including a monitoring report on the number of attendees, with a maximum cap of 1,100 people, and an additional condition for a 50-minute break between Sunday services to improve traffic flow. The applicant, World Mission Agency Winners Chapel International[^3], presented the scheme as a community-based church aiming to positively impact the Blackley area, addressing youth issues and providing services such as food banks.

Ward Councillor Connolly raised concerns about the potential traffic impact on local schools and residents, particularly on Sundays, and requested serious consideration of these issues. The Planning Officer explained that the cap of 1,100 attendees was based on the car park size and the church's commitment to encouraging travel by mini-buses and coaches, many of which are electric. Travel plans, traffic management, and event management conditions were highlighted as being embedded in the application, with outcomes to be monitored and data submitted to the council.

The committee discussed traffic regulation orders (TROs) on Chain Road, access for active travel, and the proposed break time between services. The Planning Officer confirmed that the TRO would maintain access and that the entrance would be widened for safety. The committee also agreed to add flexibility to the condition regarding car park clearing times to allow for further discussions and arrangements. The decision to approve was made with the understanding that the wording of the condition around car park timings would be strengthened.