Plan to build six homes on site of car sales and mechanic business

A plan to build six homes on the site of a car sales and garage mechanic business in Flixton has been submitted to Trafford’s planning team. Applicant Yuan Cui, who lives in Sale, wants to put up the semi-detached houses on the 18,000 sq ft site between 62 and 64 Woodsend Road. If approved, the houses will be two-and-a-half storeys high, each with four bedrooms.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Mr Cui by architect Howard and Seddon says the overall vision of the plan is to provide a ‘distinctive and high-quality residential neighbourhood’ to improve the local area. It says that the existing business and the property, David Herd Motors Ltd, has been advertising for sale or for rent for a period of eight months. There have been no offers and no interest and the business has been closed since May 27 2022.

If approved, the building, which is in a poor condition, will be demolished. “All staff who will continue to work have secured new jobs at other similar businesses in the area but will continue at David Herd Motors Ltd until it closes," the statement says.

READ MORE: Pupils 'evacuated' after report of 'threat' made to high school as police swarm area

“The business has operated from the existing building, a converted Victorian former candle works, since 1965 but to continue as a business would require significant investment as the building is no longer fit for purpose. With all staff in new jobs there is no need to retain the site for employment purposes.”

Each home will have ‘ample’ two allocated parking spaces, the statement says. It goes on: “All dwellings will be located to actively face streets and public areas in order to promote 24 hour surveillance, and to encourage safer places.

“Public areas such as the streets will be designed so that they are safe, easily accessible and attractive to use. All users will be considered as part of an inclusive design approach. It is important that there is good surveillance of public spaces by a number of properties and buildings, and that barriers, blank walls and ‘dead ends’ are avoided.

“Across the whole development, careful attention will be paid to designing out crime through the layout, and promoting privacy and security.”