The Planning Committee of Manchester Council met on Thursday, 27 August 2026, to consider two planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on a proposed change of use for a former care home to a primary school and the erection of a place of worship following the demolition of existing buildings.

Change of Use for 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the change of use of the former Westwood Nursing Home at 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR from a care home (Class C2) to an independent primary school (Class F1), including early years provision and associated facilities. The report pack indicated that this application had been deferred at a previous meeting to allow for a site visit due to concerns about the impact on highway operations and local amenity.

The report detailed that the applicant, Binas Yisachar, which serves the Belz Chasidic community, had provided further information to address concerns. This included a comprehensive transport evidence base, which the Council's Highways Authority had reviewed and raised no objection to. The applicant stressed that private car use is significantly lower than at a typical school due to the community's religious observances, leading to a lower level of school-related traffic. The report also highlighted that the school's catchment area is highly localised, with all pupil households within approximately 2 kilometres of the proposed site.

Numerous objections had been received from local residents, primarily focusing on increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise, and the proposed use being out of keeping with the area's character. Conversely, supporters highlighted the educational benefits and the school's commitment to sustainable travel. Ward Members also raised concerns about congestion and parking.

The report pack noted that the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing's recommendation remained unchanged, suggesting approval, subject to numerous conditions. However, it also outlined a potential reason for refusal if members remained concerned about the perceived likelihood of increased traffic.

Erection of a Place of Worship at 114 Chain Road, Manchester

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the erection of a two-storey place of worship (Class F1) at 114 Chain Road, Manchester, M9 6GN, following the demolition of existing buildings. The proposal included associated landscaping, parking, and alterations to the existing access. The site is located in an area with a mix of residential properties and educational establishments.

The report indicated that 25 objections had been received from neighbouring residents and schools, raising concerns about increased traffic, parking issues, air pollution, noise, and the loss of the former convent building. Specific concerns were raised about the impact of large numbers of attendees on Sundays and during special events, with the applicant initially seeking capacity for 1,500 visitors, later revised to 1,100 following highway concerns. Objections also touched upon the potential disturbance of burial grounds and the environmental impact of tree removal.

Schools in the vicinity raised concerns about the loss of trees, noise levels during examinations, and drainage issues. Ward Councillors noted significant local opposition to the proposal. Highway Services had requested additional data and analysis regarding parking, transport modes, and traffic management, recommending restrictions on the number of attendees for special services and a minimum interval between services.

The report pack detailed that the proposed building would be two storeys high, with ancillary community uses such as a café and bookshop. The applicant proposed 189 parking spaces, along with 40 cycle storage spaces. The proposed operating hours were from 08:00 to 20:00 on Mondays to Saturdays and 10:00 to 15:00 on Sundays and Bank Holidays, with an early morning prayer group.

The report also addressed heritage considerations, noting that while the former convent building was considered a non-designated heritage asset, its extensive structural deterioration and the complexity of modernisation made repurposing impractical. The report concluded that the benefits of the proposed development, including a modern, sustainable building and the site being brought back into active use, outweighed the loss of the former convent.

The Director of Planning's report included a recommendation for approval, subject to numerous conditions, and proposed revisions to existing conditions regarding attendee numbers, operating hours, and the timing of events. A further condition was suggested to ensure that no demolition works would commence until a contract for the proposed development was in place.