Housing development round-up: Old Trafford, Liverpool and Aberdeenshire

The £150m development (pictured) has been backed by Aberdeenshire Council planners, despite concerns from some quarters that it will damage other towns in Scotland’s North East.

The Formartine Area Committee is today considering the proposal by developers Ashfield Land and Kirkwood Homes, who claim the development will create 1,200 construction jobs and 1,500 jobs in the longer term.

Plans for 600 new homes, including 150 affordable homes, would accommodate around 2,100 new residents. In addition, there would be the creation of a retail hub, labelled as a new ‘town centre’, with regional food hall and associated retail units, the creation of a hotel, cinema, business and industrial units.

In his report to the planning committee, Stephen Archer, director of infrastructure services for the council, said the proposed development is a departure from the region’s development plan.

“Justification has been provided for a departure on the grounds that the proposed development meets the aims, objectives and vision of the approved Masterplan and whilst the scale and mix of the proposal exceeds the development anticipated in the Masterplan, it is considered that the development will provide a viable, deliverable and sustainable development,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Liverpool planners have recommended that the planning committee give the go-ahead to a 366-home private rental scheme when it meets next week. The £50m eco-development on the city’s Pall Mall is proposed by developer Anwyl Construction.

Alan Bevan, director of advisor City Residential, said the scheme will have hotel-style facilities.

“The Anwyl apartments scheme will complement other regeneration within Liverpool’s commercial district, and provide a much needed boost to the private rental sector in the area,” he said.

“We’ll be offering a modern solution for those who either struggle to, or do not wish to get on the housing ladder, but still want to live in high-end homes, in a vibrant city location with fantastic transport links.”

A proposal for 354 apartments in Old Trafford by developer Cole Waterhouse has also been submitted to Trafford Council. The plans would see 15-storey and an 18-storey towers built on the site. A decision is due by June next year.