Plans for 66 new student flats in Old Trafford are causing upset.
A video showing proposals for the studio apartments in Harry Lord House on Humphrey Road has been released on YouTube.
Planning documents for the site show the applicants, QP2 Ltd, hope to carry out a front extension, loft conversion and to raise the roof height of the existing building there.
The plan is for the flats to be fully furnished for students to move straight into and features a private gym and cinema room on site.
There will be six new car parking spaces added to the building’s existing car park spacing, leaving 10 overall.
But residents living nearby say they were not consulted by developers regarding the plans.
Trafford council did have a public consultation open on its website between July 23 and August 13 asking for people’s feedback on the plans, but people aren’t happy about the timings.
One resident, Emma Burgham, took to Twitter and said: “According to Trafford council’s website, the consultation with neighbours opened July 23 and closed August 13. Very tight and handily when summer holidays at their peak. Is this really consultation?”
The council is yet to make a firm decision on the proposals, but is no longer accepting comments regarding the plans on its website for the 2,700 square feet site.
A number of residents living nearby have written to the council to oppose the plans, however.
One wrote: “I object on the grounds of noise, this is a very quiet street. I declined to move to a student area preferring the peace of Humphrey Road.
“Also there is quite an issue with parking, competition for parking spaces is already quite stiff and 66 new apartments is only going to exacerbate the problem. The only solution would be to make the street permit parking only.”
Another said: “I do not feel it is appropriate to have student accommodation so close to an area where there are many elderly members of the community.
“Approval of this plan would create a much greater footfall in what is currently a very peaceful area. I am also very concerned about the possibility of increased noise/traffic levels.”
Exactly when the council’s planning officers will decide on the plans is not yet clear. They are not due to be discussed at this week’s planning committee meeting.
A spokesperson for Trafford council said: “As with any other application submitted to Trafford council, the planning committee will consider objections as part of its decision making process.”
