Tower block plans put on hold over travel concerns

Plans to build three residential tower blocks on the site of a retail park have been put on hold after concerns were expressed about local "active travel facilities".

Developers want to build 814 new homes on part of the Regent Retail Park on Ordsall Lane in Salford, an area currently home to McDonalds, KFC and a Grosvenor Casino.

The Riverside Place development would see three towers - of 21, 25 and 36 storeys - as well as a green pavilion for "commercial, retail, hospitality and community uses" and 6,000 sq m of public space.

But Active Travel England, an offshoot of the Department for Transport, recommended any planning decision on the scheme be deferred until more information is provided.

The developers said the scheme would create more than 1,000 jobs and £1.7m in council tax revenue.

They said improvements to transport links between Salford Quays and Manchester city centre would also be made, along with better pedestrian and cycle routes, a landscaped ramp and seating connecting directly to the waterfront.

But Active Travel England has requested further information about how some of those improvements would be made.

A spokesperson said the proposals would lead to improved riverside access and reduced car parking levels at the "strategically sustainable location with strong links to Manchester city centre, public transport services and existing active travel corridors".

But, they added, "notwithstanding these positive elements, the application currently falls short of fully demonstrating compliance with the Active Travel England Planning Application Assessment Toolkit."

It noted the plans currently only provide about half of the total cycle parking provision relative to anticipated demand and that more detail was required on the active travel improvements.

The section of the retail park which fronts onto the River Irwell has long been eyed for redevelopment.

Demolition of the retail park was first approved in 2023, despite pushback from local opposition councillors over a lack of local amenities.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.