Out-Law News 1 min. read

Council consults on framework for regeneration of east Manchester neighbourhoods


Manchester City Council is consulting on a new draft neighbourhood development framework (NDF) for the Ancoats and New Islington neighbourhoods in east Manchester. In its final form, the NDF will guide development in the neighbourhoods and will be a material consideration in determining all planning applications in the area.

The east of Manchester has been identified by the Council as an area that can contribute around 30% of 60,000 proposed new homes in Manchester over the next 20 years. The Ancoats and New Islington neighbourhoods, which are also the focus of the first phase of a 6,000-home residential development joint venture between the Council and investment company Abu Dhabi United Group, are seen by the Council as being potentially attractive to new workers due to their proximity to city centre employment opportunities, their transport links and local features such as the Rochdale and Aston Canals and the Cotton Fields Eco Park.

According to the draft NDF (48-page / 1.1 MB PDF), Ancoats and New Islington form "one of the relatively limited number of places in Manchester where there is an opportunity to plan and deliver high density development in a sustainable manner." Under the core principles outlined in the document, both neighbourhoods are intended to be predominantly residential with a mix of high quality accommodation, but "opportunities for a mix of uses should be sought that combine to create a distinctive sense of place and neighbourhood."

There is an emphasis on sustainability both in the use of the local transport links to Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations and in the design of buildings. Developers should "ensure new development helps to contribute to a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment" and car parking strategies should be designed to promote sustainable transport use, according to the document.

"Ancoats and New Islington has been a key regeneration objective for the past twenty years", said Councillor Jeff Smith, the Council's executive member for housing and regeneration, in a statement. "We have made great strides and some fantastic successes were achieved, but like many developments, these areas were hit by the recession."

"With signs of positive progress in both neighbourhoods, it is the right time to re-evaluate the strategy for Ancoats and New Islington and we urge local people to have their say on the future of their area", said Smith.

The closing date for comments on the draft NDF is 22 July.

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