New Droylsden Marina development officially tabled

The vision for a new ‘waterfront neighbourhood’ at Droylsden Marina has been tabled, but locals say it’s still too big.

The scheme would see 192 homes built on empty land next to the old Lock Keepers site. All the homes will be available for affordable rates (up to 80 per cent of market value), say developers CERT and True North Partnerships.

The plans include three apartment buildings and a series of duplex homes at ground level, ‘arranged to maximise natural light and views across the Marina, Ashton Canal and towards the Pennines and Manchester city centre’.

When the vision was first revealed earlier this year, locals were shocked by the scale of the plans, given the site is only 0.93 hectare.

The developers say they have carried out a consultation and used the feedback to shape elements of the scheme. But nearby residents are struggling to see what changes have actually been made.

Celia Poole lives in Bridgewater House, just next to the proposed project. She said the scheme was triple the expected size.

She said: “The consultation saw over 90 responses submitted. To have that many submissions but having no change is very surprising. 

“The scale is the main issue. There are 192 homes planned on a small plot. Parking infrastructure is also a problem.

“Many people were talking about the move to more sustainable transport methods starting. But in reality to have 192 homes and have 36 parking spaces isn’t going to work. 

“It’s unrealistic. It doesn’t make sense. If even a quarter of those homes have people with young children they won’t be able to go without a car.”

Celia explained that parking in the area is already a problem, so fears this issue will exacerbate the existing problem. She felt that locals contributing to the consultation have not been listened to. 

Celia added that the people living on houseboats in the marina are also annoyed by the idea these new apartment blocks could overshadow their homes and take away their sunlight.

In response to parking issues being raised, a spokesperson  for the developer said the site is in a ‘highly accessible location’. They explained how it is in close proximity to local amenities, Droylsden Metrolink stop, bus routes on Manchester Road and cycling routes into Manchester city centre.

The spokesperson added: “Having considered these factors alongside the site layout, we did not consider that an increase in parking provision would improve the overall proposal.

“We also received concerns regarding the form and massing of the development. Following the consultation, we developed the design of the elevations further, placing greater emphasis on the entrances, creating greater overall hierarchy to the elevations, and providing further differentiation and identity between the blocks.”

Celia has previously criticised the council for failing to put strict measures in place to prevent over-development. She believes the local authority is allowing developers to ‘ride roughshod’ over the area.

Tameside council declared the site off A662/Manchester Road surplus to requirements in September 2020, following the relocation of library services to Guardsman Tony Downes House. Last year, the local authority sold the land to a joint venture between True North Partnerships, CERT Property and Legal & General Affordable Homes.

The plans form part of a wider plan from the local authority to breathe new life  into Droylsden.

Cllr Andrew McLaren, Tameside council deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness said: “Droylsden Marina reflects the kind of good growth we want to drive across Tameside, working with partners to regenerate underused land into affordable, high-quality and well-connected places to live.

“Access to affordable homes is key to helping people build their lives and careers in the borough, and it is important for us that this site delivers that, whilst helping realise the potential of the town’s waterfront.”

The proposals will be considered by the council’s planning department in the coming weeks.

Gareth Walsh, director at True North Partnerships, said: “Droylsden Marina has real potential, and getting there has taken genuine collaboration — with Tameside council, with CERT, and above all with the people who live here. The feedback we received in April has shaped the scheme in ways that matter, particularly around the waterfront and the public spaces. 

“We’re pleased to have reached submission and look forward to continuing to work with the council as the application progresses.”