Size of Droylsden Marina plan sparks concern

Land at Droylsden Marina has been sitting empty for years, but now a plan to regenerate it has sparked concern among locals.

Although those living near the marina are keen to see the vacant land transformed, they were taken aback when they saw the plan for 192 ‘high quality’ affordable homes. When CERT and True North Partnerships tabled their scheme for the small 0.93 hectare plot adjacent to the Lock Keepers site - it was almost triple the expected size.

The original project briefing document produced by Tameside council suggested between 65 and 70 homes would be appropriate.

Celia Poole, a resident of Bridgewater House, said: “The general concerns are around the scale and scope of the development. It should be developed as it’s been left as it is for a number of years.

“This scale (192 homes) has taken everyone by surprise. If you look at the Tameside council guidance it says between 65 and 75 homes – but they are planning up to 192. It doesn’t make any logical sense.

“That junction in Droylsden on Manchester Road, near the tram stop, has been a nightmare and this will make things worse. 

“I have not found anyone who lives around here in favour of this plan. The general consensus is that development is good for the area but the scale is just too much.”

Photo: Droylsden town centre.

Celia was also concerned by the number of parking spaces allocated to the site – 35 – which doesn’t match up to the 192 homes proposed. She fears this will create a mass of parked cars on the streets around the development.

Celia went on to criticise the council for failing to put strict measures in place to prevent overdevelopment. She believes the local authority is allowing developers to ‘ride roughshod’ over the area.

A statement on behalf of CERT and True North Partnerships said: “The proposals at Droylsden Marina will deliver 192 high-quality, 100 per cent affordable homes on a long-vacant waterfront site, alongside a community hub, commercial space and improved public realm. The scheme has been developed in partnership with Tameside council and our registered provider, Legal & General, and reflects the wider regeneration ambitions for Droylsden.

“We held a public consultation in April 2026 to give local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the proposals, including a drop-in event at Droylsden Library, a leaflet drop to around 2,500 local households and businesses, and an online feedback portal. 91 responses were received in total.

“The feedback has helped shape the final scheme, with refinements made post-consultation to landscaping, public realm and community-focused features. The application is supported by a full transport assessment and travel plan, a daylight and sunlight assessment, and a construction management plan, which respond directly to the points raised through consultation.

“A statement of community involvement documents the engagement process and our response to feedback received.”

The development also includes a proposed community hub, helping to activate the waterfront. The plans form part of a wider regeneration strategy for Droylsden, with the marina identified as a key transformational area.

Developers say these proposals aim to reinforce the waterfront as a focal point, improve connections between Manchester Road and the Marina and contribute to a renewed sense of place that attracts people to live, work and invest in the town.

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.

Photo: Aerial image of the Lock Keepers Court site in Droylsden next to the marina. (Credit: Tameside Council).