By Nick Jackson

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Plans for 382 build-to-rent apartments and 412 studio flats for students on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal have been approved. Trafford ’s planning committee gave the thumbs up to the demolition of a vacant office building off Trafford Wharf Road, next to the Victoria Warehouse venue, to make way for the development, described by officers as a ‘great place-making move’ with the area set to become a ‘high-density’ car-free residential zone. The development will take shape with two tower blocks – one of 18 and 16 storeys – and the second with 24 and 22 storeys in addition to 14,000 sq ft of commercial space. To see planning applications; traffic and road diversions and layout changes; and more, visit the Public Notices Portal HERE A third block, ranging in height from six to eight storeys, will deliver the 412 student bedrooms and 25,000 sq ft of office and academic space. Amongst the development, there would be only 15 accessible car parking spaces. “Otherwise, the development is proposed to be car free,” a report to the committee said. Applicants Trafford Wharf (CWH) Ltd and Hilti (GT Britain) Ltd will contribute £2.4m towards the provision of affordable housing elsewhere in the borough as part of a deal, known as a Section 106 agreement, equivalent to 11 per cent affordable housing. They will also chip in £196,889 towards secondary education facilities in Trafford as well as £329,498 towards outdoor sports facilities. Public realm proposals including green spaces to go along with the scheme are estimated to cost £1.6m. Chair of the committee Coun Barry Winstanley said it was the first of a number of developments taking place at Trafford Wharf. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The scheme was broadly welcomed by members of the committee, although Coun James Wright voiced concerns over families being accommodated high-rise blocks. “The report says the development is broadly compliant with accommodation for families,” he said. “I’m not entirely convinced that a high-rise block of apartments next door to student accommodation would necessarily be perfect for families to move into.” However, Coun Dan Jerrome described the plan as ‘really impressive’. “It is in a location where we really need to develop a brownfield site,” he said. “One of the things that is so impressive is the green potential of these buildings. They’re going to be 100 per cent electric. “There are concerns about the affordable housing element. It’s only 11pc and that’s only coming off site, but the balance is being struck by the public realm which is in a great area.” His colleague Coun David Acton added: “I am really pleased with this development, so I very much support it. The off-site social housing will be a great benefit for the housing stock. “I’m also pleased to see the student accommodation. It’s a new feature in that area.” Join our Manc Life WhatsApp group HERE