'Much-needed' housing set to be built on green space despite strong opposition

Plans to build five terraced houses and an apartment building on green space in Salford have been approved despite strong calls to reject the development.

The five affordable homes and 12 specialist apartments for adults with learning disabilities have been granted planning permission in Walkden.

It comes after around 100 residents objected to the application to develop the council-owned land located between Crosby Avenue and Crompton Street.

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Salford council already agreed to sell the site to housing association Great Places after considering alternative locations in the area for the scheme.

But residents have raised concerns about the loss of recreational land and claim a new access road in the plans will cause 'chaos' on the narrow street.

Speaking at a planning panel meeting on Thursday (March 3), Crosby Avenue resident Laura Bowker urged councillors to save the Crompton Street 'field'.

She said: "Today, you have the power to destroy the quality of life for all the residents surrounding this site or, as I hope you do, act as custodians for the community you work for and reject this application to steal a wonderful area of green space in the community of Walkden."

The objector claimed that the council had 'made a mockery of the so-called consultation process', saying residents' concerns had not been addressed.

She raised concerns about the loss of recreational land and argued that approving the application would be 'irresponsible' due to road safety dangers.

Walkden South councillor Ifran Syed supported residents at the meeting.

He said: "What they're asking for is a green space with cleaner air for their children and a place where