Neglected tennis courts and part of a bowling green in Barton, Eccles, have been sold to a developer for plans for new social housing in the area.
The land, near Edison Road, has been bought by local housing provider For Housing, part of the ForViva Group, which plans to build 51 homes.
ForHousing is a progressive landlord, currently based in West Cheshire, that owns and manages more than 24,000 homes across the North West.
Full details are yet to be finalised, but a Salford Council report stated that the plans for the 1.1-acre site are 42 flats, 12 two-bedroom and 30 one-bedroom, seven three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses.
Salford Mayor Paul Dennett described it as a ‘really exciting’ development. Yet, residents of the area have raised their concerns.
@JohnMullen1960 @salford_mayor Where’s the planing permission reference? This needs stopping!!! 🤬😡🤬🤬😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
— Ken (@Ksweeney36) November 15, 2020
Resident Kenneth, 40, said: “There are more areas around Salford that need renovating before we get new builds, I think the council need to focus on that first.
“The area on Edison Road is always being used by kids, it would be a shame to see a nice green area go.”
ForHousing switched to the site after a similar proposal for 30 homes, at a site behind The Rock Pub, was withdrawn over ‘design challenges’ earlier this year.
The tennis courts and the bowling green have been declared surplus to requirements by Salford Council, but Kenneth states that the site is still being used and should instead be refurbished.
He said: “Kids still play on the area, it’s a safe place for them to go.”
However, Barton Councillor John Mullen disagreed in a Tweet saying:
Over the years I had so many complaints about youths in there. We found nitrous oxid canisters and cider bottles many many times.
Frankly pulling my hair out about it for what is best.— John Mullen (@JohnMullen1960) November 16, 2020
Nigel Sedman, group director of ForHousing, said: “Through ForHousing we are investing in homes and places that deliver real, lasting change.
“Working with partners such as Salford City Council, we are always looking to explore ways we can build much needed new affordable homes for local people and support wider regeneration plans in Salford.
“We are pleased that the sale of the site has been recommended for approval, and hope to be able to submit proposals for new homes available at low-cost social rent.”
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