Plans for a new nursery in Sale have been given the go-ahead - despite concerns the land could be contaminated.
The proposal for a two-storey nursery next to Stanley Square Shopping Centre’s service yard was approved by Trafford council's planning committee last night (October 14).
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The nursery will be part of the Stanley Square Masterplan, a redevelopment of the Sale shopping centre, including 202 residential units, a cinema, retail, multi-storey car park.
But the land, which used to be home to an old clothing factory, could potentially be contaminated by products once used there.
The planning committee unanimously voted to grant the application - subject to a land contamination review to ensure no risk is posed to anyone on the site or nearby.
An environmental officer said: “No development shall take place until an investigation and risk assessment in relation to contamination on site has been submitted and approved.”
Residents were also concerned about the impact a new nursery could have on the already busy roads.
The site will feature a two-storey Kids Planet nursery for 100 children and a 21-space car park.
But there are already a number of nurseries in Sale – with some residents questioning whether another is really necessary and what impact it will have on independent nursery providers.
The council officer's report on the application from Maloneview Limited said: “The proposal is considered to provide a valuable community facility that would support the growing residential and employment uses in the surrounding area.
“Objections received raise concern regarding the impact on other early years care providers, traffic and parking and visual amenity.”
Coun Barry Brotherton, representative for Priory Ward in Sale, was among those concerned by the plans.
