Worries over plan for 500 extra homes on test track

Moss Side Coun Michael Green said a local plan approved last year and a planning inspector’s review all agreed the former Leyland Motor’s test track in Moss Side was suitable for 750 homes and six hectares of employment use.

But now landowner Property Capital has entered a masterplan for 1,200 to 1,250 homes with five hectares for employment. They claim there is no cap on numbers and it will reduce pressure on green sites.

Coun Green said: “I’m deeply concerned the number of houses is two thirds higher than what was agreed. It’s going to be too dense and the character of the area will completely change.”

He is also worried two access roads off Longmeanygate are being planned, as well as the reopening of Paradise Lane, in addition to a previous agreement for access via Titan Way.

He said: “They couldn’t have picked more dangerous points along Longmeanygate if they tried.”

He added that reopening Paradise Lane would cause traffic congestion, and questionned a lack of provision on the site for young children.

A spokesman for Property Capital said he was confident the masterplan “strikes the right balance between new homes, new business premises and green open spaces” and that access broadly reflected the council’s policy.

He added: “The Draft Masterplan includes lots of green open space, including reinstating Doll Lane as a green route for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. There is also the potential for investment to be made in Paradise Park and we look forward to listening to local views on this.”