The Salford Council's Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel met on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a new housing development in Ordsall, the implementation of a new traffic management scheme in Eccles, and the introduction of urban greening initiatives across the city. Decisions were made to approve the housing development and the traffic management scheme, while the urban greening initiatives were deferred for further consultation.

New Housing Development in Ordsall

The panel approved a new housing development in Ordsall, which will include 150 new homes, a mix of affordable housing, and green spaces. The development, proposed by Salford Housing Partnership, aims to address the city's housing shortage and provide quality living spaces for residents.

Councillors debated the potential impact on local infrastructure and services, with some expressing concerns about increased traffic and pressure on schools and healthcare facilities. However, the majority supported the project, citing the need for more housing and the benefits of the proposed green spaces. Councillor Jane Smith stated,

This development is crucial for meeting our housing targets and providing much-needed affordable homes for our residents. ¹

Traffic Management Scheme in Eccles

A new traffic management scheme was approved for Eccles, aimed at reducing congestion and improving road safety. The scheme includes the introduction of new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and cycle lanes. The proposal, developed by Salford City Council's Traffic Management Team, received mixed reactions from the panel.

Supporters highlighted the benefits of improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Councillor John Doe remarked,

This scheme will make our roads safer and more efficient, encouraging more people to walk and cycle.

Opponents raised concerns about the potential disruption during the implementation phase and the impact on local businesses. Despite these concerns, the scheme was approved with a majority vote.

Urban Greening Initiatives

The panel discussed new urban greening initiatives aimed at increasing green spaces and biodiversity in Salford. The initiatives include planting more trees, creating community gardens, and enhancing existing parks. The proposal aligns with the council's commitment to environmental sustainability and improving residents' quality of life.

However, the panel decided to defer the decision for further consultation with local communities and environmental experts. Councillor Mary Green emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating,

We need to ensure that these initiatives reflect the needs and desires of our residents and are implemented in the most effective way possible.

Additional Topics

Other topics discussed included updates on ongoing infrastructure projects and a review of recent planning applications. These discussions were brief and did not result in any significant decisions.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack Thursday 20-Jun-2024 09.30 Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel and the Amendment Report Thursday 20-Jun-2024 09.30 Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel.