Planning permission granted for low carbon social homes in Manchester

Permission has been granted for the development of 69 low-carbon social homes on Silk Street, Newton Heath, building on a long underused brownfield site. 

The development will provide 36 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments, 17 two storey three-bedroom houses, and four three storey four-bedroom houses.

16 of the apartments will be available of people over the age of 55, and the apartments will be built to HAPPI design principles to accommodate for wheelchair users.

Sustainability measures have also been included in the design, consisting of solar panels and living roofs, ground source heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said: ‘I’ve been following the progress of this development for some time, and this planning permission marks an important milestone as we drive on the delivery of these much-needed new homes. This project ticks so many boxes – bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use, new affordable social housing, homes for older people, and a range of sizes to meet different levels of demand.

‘All this while delivering properties to meet low carbon standards and sustainable technologies, which will reduce costs for residents and help us meet our target of being a zero-carbon city by 2028. We know demand is high for social housing and we know this development will be so welcome in the local community.’

The homes will be constructed by Rowlinson, with a design informed by the history of Newton Heath, celebrating the brickwork that characterises the local area.

David Chilton, managing director of Rowlinson, said: ‘These homes meet the needs of residents across the board – low emissions, a range of sizes, later living options, and more. It is an impressive development, setting a very high standard for new social housing. We are eager to make a start and will be using local labour where possible. Rowlinson is proud to be working with the Council in delivering these much-needed new homes for the local community.’

In related news, council housing company Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) and developers Willmott Dixon have begun groundwork on a £10.9m project to redevelop the site of former homeless hostel Lucy Faithfull House.

Photo supplied by Manchester City Council