Salford City Council planners have recommended approval for the ‘Downtown’ development of six tower blocks in Ordsall.
The developers, Altrincham-based Villafont Homes, want to build six blocks increasing in height from 4 to 15 storeys between Ordsall Lane and the River Irwell.
Villafont submitted plans back in November 2014 for the ‘Downtown’ project, across a vacant 0.7ha site on Woden Street next to the River Irwell.
Earlier plans specified 383 flats, but this has been cut to 372 after 28 letters of objection were sent to the council, mostly from residents at the neighbouring Gresham Mill on South Hall Street.
Among the concerns were the loss of daylight and sunlight that would overshadow the overlooking office units and could increase heating costs as well as blocking views of the river, as well as increased congestion on Ordsall Lane with the number of cars using the road likely to increase.
173 one-bed, 194 two-bed and 16 three-bed properties will be available under the current plans, designed by Leach Rhodes Walker.
Villafont promise none of the flats will be aimed to buy-to-let developers, instead being marketed towards long-term renters and first-time buyers.
Read: Plans in for 380-flat tower on Woden Street, Ordsall
The plans include proposals for a 3000sq ft retail store, a 3,700sq ft gym and a 1,100 sq ft business centre.
They will be discussed by the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel on Thursday 2 April.
But local residents have expressed concerns that work is already underway on the scheme, despite the fact planning permission has not yet been granted.
One told SalfordOnline.com: “When I looked out of my window I could see a digger, a drill rig, a truck and several men and a lady with a clipboard doing what looked like preliminary work on the site.
“I have sent a letter of complaint to Salford City Council as this obviously gives the impression that a deal has already been signed off.”
Consultation letters were sent to almost 300 neighbouring properties.
If approved, work on the plans could begin by summer 2015.
