The Planning Committee of Manchester Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 6 August 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a report on an application for a change of use at Westwood Nursing Home in Crumpsall.

Westwood Nursing Home Application

The committee is scheduled to consider an application for the change of use of the former Westwood Nursing Home at 69 Crumpsall Lane, Manchester, M8 5SR from a vacant care home (Use Class C2) to an independent two-form entry primary school (Use Class F1), which would include early years provision and associated facilities.

The report pack indicates that the proposal involves relocating the primary provision from the existing Belz School in Salford. The new site would initially accommodate 60 pupils, with plans to expand to a maximum of 120 pupils. The school would be operated by a private educational provider specialising in supporting children with special educational needs, with a policy of limiting class sizes to a maximum of 20 pupils. The report notes that 98 representations have been received from neighbouring occupiers, with 87 objecting to the proposal. Key concerns raised by residents and Ward Members include increased traffic and parking pressures, potential noise from increased activity, and the proposed use being out of keeping with the character of the area.

Highway Services have assessed the proposal and, based on a travel survey from the existing school, consider the forecast traffic generation to be acceptable, falling below the threshold for a more detailed highway assessment. They have recommended mitigation measures, including speed limit adjustments, parking restrictions, and the submission of a robust Drop-Off/Pick-Up management strategy. Environmental Health has requested conditions related to opening hours, acoustic insulation, and waste management.

The report outlines that the proposed school would operate independently and would not contribute to the Council's statutory school place planning. The proposal is considered to align with national and local planning policies, including the Manchester Core Strategy¹ and the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan², which support the provision of community facilities and sustainable development. The report states that the proposed development would make a positive contribution to strengthening local social infrastructure and providing inclusive education.

The report also details the proposed site layout, design and appearance, access arrangements, and measures to ensure residential amenity. It notes that the proposed boundary treatment, including 2.4-metre-high weld mesh fencing, is considered appropriate and necessary for a primary school in a residential area to ensure the safety and security of pupils and staff. Ecological assessments suggest no significant residual impacts, with a requirement for a 10% biodiversity net gain³ to be achieved through off-site mitigation. The report concludes that the proposed development is acceptable, representing a proportionate and appropriate form of development within a residential area, with impacts on residential amenity and the highway network considered manageable.

The meeting agenda also includes items on urgent business, appeals, declarations of interest, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on 9 July 2026.