The Planning Committee of Manchester Council met on Thursday 6 August 2026 and resolved to be minded to refuse an application to change the use of Westwood Nursing Home to a primary school, citing concerns over traffic and parking. The committee also approved a residential development at the former Levenshulme Cricket Club, subject to a legal agreement.

Application for Westwood Nursing Home, Crumpsall Lane

The committee considered a report proposing the change of use of the former Westwood Nursing Home¹ at 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR, from a care home (Class C2) to an independent two-form entry primary school (Class F1), including early years provision. This application had been deferred from a previous meeting to allow for a site visit.

Concerns were raised by local residents and Ward Members, including Councillors Ali, Riasat and Amin, regarding increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise, and the proposed use being out of character with the area. Objectors highlighted existing parking difficulties on Ansleigh Avenue and surrounding streets, and expressed concerns about increased traffic movements from drop-offs, pick-ups, taxis, minibuses, and deliveries. There were also worries that the relocation might increase journey distances for some pupils with special educational needs, who might benefit from quieter environments.

The applicant, represented by Mr David Bitan of Debtal Architecture Ltd, highlighted the positive aspects of the scheme, including its unique educational offering for pupils with special educational needs and cultural requirements, small class sizes, and the school's commitment to the environment and neighbours. They stated that many families would walk or use public transport, and that the school actively encouraged considerate parking.

The Highways Department assessed that while there would be a minor increase in vehicle movements during peak periods, these were not considered significant enough to materially impact the local highway network. Mitigation measures, including a review of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), double yellow lines, a 20mph speed limit extension, and a robust Drop-Off/Pick-Up management strategy, were proposed.

Despite these proposed mitigations, the committee expressed concerns about the potential impacts of increased traffic and parking. Councillor Fiaz Riasat declared a prejudicial interest and withdrew from the discussion and vote. Ultimately, the committee resolved to be minded to refuse the application, requesting a further report to address their concerns.

Application for Former Levenshulme Cricket Club, Elsa Road

The committee considered a report for the erection of 50 two-storey dwellinghouses at the former Levenshulme Cricket Club, Elsa Road, Manchester M19 3JE. The proposal included 21 homes for affordable rent and 29 for shared ownership.

The application received 19 objections and a petition with 95 signatures, along with five further comments. Key concerns raised by objectors included traffic, accessibility, congestion, residential amenity, loss of a community asset, increased pressure on infrastructure, environmental considerations, and the loss of green space. An objector, representing local residents, argued that the site was greenfield, criticised the consultation process, and highlighted the lack of consideration for the wider area's development context. They also requested a site visit.

The agent for the applicant presented the scheme's positive aspects, including its 100% affordable housing provision, appropriate parking and landscaping, and the site's long period of disuse. They also noted that sporting provision would be provided at another site.

Committee members expressed a conflict between the strong offer of affordable housing and the potential negative impacts. Concerns were raised about the site's distance from public transport, its car dependency, and the lack of a clear link to the Fallowfield Loop for walking and cycling.

The Planning Officer responded that Highways had no objection, and that conditions would be attached for road and pavement repairs. Cycle parking would be provided, and a link to the Fallowfield Loop would be established. The provision of sporting facilities at another site had been assessed and complied with Sport England's requirements. A proposal for a site visit did not receive sufficient votes.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the applicant entering into a legal agreement. Councillors Leslie Bell and Dave Rawson declared interests and withdrew from the discussion and vote.

Supplementary Information on Applications Being Considered

The committee received and noted late representations concerning application 143452/FO/2025, which included additional objections and letters of support. The objections reiterated concerns about the timing of the site visit during school holidays, existing parking and access issues on Ansleigh Avenue, and the potential for increased traffic. Supporters argued that the development was appropriate, that concerns were overstated, and that the school was vital for the Orthodox Jewish community.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2026 were approved as a correct record.