The Planning Committee of Manchester Council met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to consider three planning applications. The committee approved a residential development on Lord Street and Cheetham Hill Road, and a new primary school on Crumpsall Lane, though the latter required a site visit to further assess traffic concerns. The committee also granted permission for the development of 50 new homes on the former Levenshulme Cricket Club site.

Land on the corner of Lord Street and Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham, Manchester (Application 145243/FO/2026)

The committee approved the erection of a residential development comprising 251 dwellings at the corner of Lord Street and Cheetham Hill Road¹. The development will include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom townhouses, with a focus on private amenity space and community building.

Concerns were raised by the committee regarding the lack of affordable housing within the development, with Councillor Fiaz Riasat expressing frustration. The Planning Officer explained that a viability assessment had determined that the scheme could not support affordable housing contributions, but a legal agreement would include an affordable housing review mechanism to capture any future uplift in market conditions. The committee also discussed the potential impact on sun and daylight for nearby properties, with the Planning Officer noting that while some bedrooms might be affected, living spaces would retain adequate lighting, and the scheme's impact was comparable to other tall buildings in the area. The amount of cycle parking was deemed appropriate for the number of residences, though potentially insufficient for the number of residents if multiple people occupied each dwelling. Environmental Health had assessed the site for contamination and found no harmful levels.

The agent for the application highlighted the scheme's positive aspects, including no objections from statutory consultees, a design that responded to the character of the area and surrounding high-rise buildings, and the creation of 251 homes with private amenity space. The development is expected to be delivered by 2027.

The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to the finalisation of a Section 106 agreement to secure the affordable housing review, the retention of the architect, and the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) monitoring fee.

Westwood Nursing Home, 69 Crumpsall Lane, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 5SR (Application 143452/FO/2025)

The committee considered a report proposing the change of use of the former Westwood Nursing Home from a care home (Class C2) to an independent two-form entry primary school (Class F1), including early years provision. The application had received 10 objections from neighbouring occupiers and concerns from all three Ward Members, primarily relating to increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise, and the proposed use being out of character with the area.

An objector, speaking on behalf of local residents, argued that the development was the wrong type for the area, citing existing high traffic levels, potential difficulties for emergency services, and increased congestion from school drop-offs and pick-ups. They also raised concerns about the impact on residential amenity, particularly the proposed Sunday use of the school, and requested a site visit.

The applicant highlighted the unique opportunity to provide an inclusive education for children with special educational needs and cultural requirements, emphasizing small class sizes and the school's suitability for families in the Crumpsall and Salford border area.

Ward Councillor Riasat expressed support for SEN education but voiced concerns about the negative impact on Crumpsall Lane due to existing congestion from the local primary school, hospital, and irresponsible parking near local shops.

The Planning Officer stated that the recommendation for approval was based on a balance of the school's operations, noting that classes would be smaller than mainstream schools and that Highways had deemed the proposal acceptable with planned mitigations such as speed limits and traffic management measures.

Following discussion, the committee resolved to undertake a site visit to assess traffic levels in the vicinity of the site and how the development might exacerbate existing issues. Councillor Ati Zafar declared an interest in this item as a Ward Councillor and withdrew from the hearing.

Former Levenshulme Cricket Club, Elsa Road, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3JE (Application 144830/FO/2025)

The committee approved the erection of 50 two-storey dwellinghouses on the former Levenshulme Cricket Club site. The development will consist of 21 homes for affordable rent and 29 for shared ownership, providing 100% affordable housing.

Objections were raised by local residents concerning traffic, accessibility, congestion, residential amenity, the loss of a community asset, increased pressure on existing infrastructure, environmental considerations, and the loss of green space. An objector argued that the site was greenfield, not brownfield, and that the process had not adequately considered the wider context of the area, including other proposed developments. They also raised concerns about the single entry and exit point, existing congestion, and potential negative effects on emergency services and air quality. A site visit was requested.

The agent for the application highlighted the provision of 100% affordable housing, appropriate parking and landscaping, the site's long period of disuse, increased biodiversity net gain, and the provision of sporting facilities at another site.

The committee expressed conflict between the positive offer of affordable housing and the potential negative impacts. Concerns were raised about the site's distance from public transport, its car dependency, and the lack of a clear link to the Fallowfield Loop for walking and cycling. The loss of green space and the distance to alternative sporting facilities were also noted.

The Planning Officer responded that the scheme would cater to local needs, Highways had no objections, and conditions would be attached for road and pavement repairs. Cycle parking would be provided at each dwelling, and a link to the Fallowfield Loop would be established. The provision of alternative sporting facilities had been assessed and complied with Sport England's requirements.

A site visit was proposed but did not receive sufficient votes. The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the applicant entering into a legal agreement. Councillors Leslie Bell and Dave Rawson declared an interest in this item and withdrew from the hearing.