The 2.54 acres brownfield site, which was previously occupied by the RAC is located to the southern side of Thomas Street in Stretford, within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

The site itself predominantly comprises of hard standing, following demolition of the existing building. Small areas of landscaping are present either side of the main entrance, featuring mature tree planting.

The site is bound to the north, east and south by existing residential dwellings, the Bridgewater canal directs abuts the western boundary. Existing industrial uses are present to the northwest.

The Site is in a highly accessible and close to local amenities and public transport nodes. the Site has the potential to create a sustainable, well-balanced residential community, which will integrate, enhance and support the wider area.

SITE LOCATION PLAN

The site presents several constraints which have been considered during the design and evaluation stages. These constraints are set out below in the Constraints Plan.

The Site is brownfield and has no realistic prospect of being developed again for employment uses.

The National Planning Policy Framework looks to guide development to sustainable locations, make effective use of land, secure well-designed places and provide affordable homes, individually or in combination. In combination, the provision of a fully affordable residential scheme in this location would make efficient use of a brownfield site while contributing to Trafford's affordable housing supply, to which there has been significant under-delivery. The site is well located, in a highly sustainable location that provides genuine choice of sustainable transport options.

MCI Developments is part of leading partnerships homebuilder, Keepmoat Homes.

Keepmoat specialise in developing the high-quality, multi-tenure homes the UK needs. With extensive housing experience and an established network of partners, MCI Developments deliver affordable homes in every shape and size.

MCI Developments take pride in building attractive and well-designed new homes in the right way. This attention to detail, together with a commitment to using the best materials and the latest techniques delivers homes of the highest standard.

At a time when home ownership is increasingly becoming a privilege of the few, MCI Developments is committed to ensuring as many people as possible have the opportunity to move into an affordable, energy-efficient home.

The latest design for the scheme have evolved following pre-application engagement with Trafford Council’s planning department. Several changes have been made to the previous scheme, including:

• The scheme is now 100% affordable
• At the canal side, maximum storey heights have been reduced from four to three storeys with room in the roof
• The latest scheme has been informed by the Council’s new Design Code
• The new layout has been designed around tree lined streets and the gas main constraint has been incorporated into landscaped buffers and open space that now surround the site.

The Design Context Plan below shows how the building form responds and respects to the surrounding area.

Townhouses are proposed adjacent to Thomas Street and the properties backing onto Ashover Street.

A distinctive building is proposed at the junction of Ashover Street and Longford Road, which will form a key vista while also opening views toward the canal. Additionally, two apartment blocks will create a strong built form and frontage along the canal, which is a continuation of the densities, storey heights and built form in this area.

In accordance with the NPPF, the scale and massing of the development should respond to and respect the local context (See Scale and Massing Plan below).

The proposals have therefore been designed to reference the local context while also creating a distinct residential development that will positively contribute to the area.

A mix of 2.5 and 3-storey dwellings are proposed adjacent to Thomas Street, while 3.5 storey apartments are planned near the canal and the junction of Ashover Street and Longford Road.

• Up to 94 new homes planned as part of a high-quality residential development.
• A mix of homes to suit local needs — from 1 & 2-bedroom apartments to 3 & 4-bedroom townhouses.
• 100% affordable housing, delivered in partnership with a registered affordable housing provider working in Trafford.
• All homes designed to meet modern accessibility standards (M4(2)), ensuring they’re adaptable and accessible for everyone.
• Affordable, energy efficient homes for All.
• Set within attractive, public open space.

The site will feature a variety of open space, which will contribute to both the overall sense of place and the functionality of the site.

The proposal includes an area of open space along the southern boundary, adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal.

A central public realm is proposed between the townhouses. It is envisioned that this space will become an integral part of the new community and could include a variety of features to encourage social interaction and engagement.

A landscape buffer is proposed along the length of the western boundary. This path will connect users to areas of amenity space within the site.