Planning permission approved for new low-carbon social homes in north Manchester

Permission has been granted for the development of 69 low-carbon social homes on Silk Street, Newton Heath.  

The project will bring back into use a long-term under-used brownfield site to build 36 one-bedroom apartments; 12 two-bedroom apartments; 17 two storey, three-bedroom houses; and 4 three storey, four-bedroom houses – while 16 of the apartments will be available to people over the age of 55. 

Off-road parking will be included as part of the development, along with electric vehicle charging points, and private driveways for the houses. 

Each of the apartments will have a balcony and living walls will provide a green aesthetic to the development, along with shared outdoor green space.

They will also be built to HAPPI design principles that ensure larger internal space as standard, which will easily accommodate someone using a wheelchair, along with extra storage space.  

The houses will have generous gardens and solar panels, while the apartments will feature living green roofs as part of the project’s low-carbon commitment.  

This will also include the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep utility costs down for residents.   

The homes will be constructed by Rowlinson with a design informed by the history of Newton Heath, celebrating the brickwork that characterises the local area. 

Work is expected to begin on site in the New Year.  

The development is being part-funded through the government’s Brownfield Land Fund, which will help deliver 522 new homes on disused land across the city over the next five years.  

The city is already on track to surpass the affordable homes delivery target, which was to support at least 6,400 affordable homes to be built in the city between 2015 and 2025.

The Council now expects to deliver more than 7,000 affordable homes in this period, more than meeting the 20% affordable target for all housing development in the city.  

“I’ve been following the progress of this development for some time, and this planning permission marks an important milestone as we drive on the delivery of these much-needed new homes,” said Councillor Gavin White.

“This project ticks so many boxes – bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use, new affordable social housing, homes for older people, and a range of sizes to meet different levels of demand.

“All this while delivering properties to meet low carbon standards and sustainable technologies, which will reduce costs for residents and help us meet our target of being a zero-carbon city by 2028. 

“We know demand is high for social housing and we know this development will be so welcome in the local community.”  

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson said: “These homes meet the needs of residents across the board – low emissions, a range of sizes, later living options, and more.

“It is an impressive development, setting a very high standard for new social housing.

“We are eager to make a start and will be using local labour where possible.

“Rowlinson is proud to be working with the Council in delivering these much-needed new homes for the local community.”