Innovative plans geared towards improving two Trafford villages have been rubber-stamped by the council’s Labour administration.

Blueprints for Sale Moor and Hale have been drafted in a bid to produce a ‘clear vision’ for the areas – and ultimately protect them from any unwanted development.

It is the first time that plans have been drawn up that specifically focus on developing the borough’s villages alongside its town centres.

Hundreds of residents and businesses have helped shape the documents resulting in numerous opportunities to improve both villages for everyone who lives, works and visits them.

Cllr Mike Freeman, Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform, said that in terms of a planned progression, the borough’s villages have been neglected.

‘’I truly hope that the Village Place Plans for Sale Moor and Hale are welcomed by residents of Trafford,” he said.

“For far too long, the focus of the council has been around our town centres; while our distinct villages have been ignored, so these plans are redressing that balance – and I am proud to be part of a Labour administration that has enabled this.

“The plans for both villages set out a vision for how these areas can continue to improve and develop, so I hope any political groups that are uncomfortable with the proposals can take a step back to reflect on this.”

Cllr Freeman also pointed out that the plans are fluid and can be altered as the villages evolve.

“What the plans do is establish a clear vision and development strategy that, along with design principles, can be used as material consideration in the determination of future planning applications – and in that way support the delivery of Trafford’s emerging Local Plan.

“The key question for people to ask themselves is: What will my village look like in 20 or 30 years’ time?

“These plans provide for that vision and should therefore be warmly welcomed.”

The main areas for improvements within the Sale Moor Place Plan are:

• Sale Moor Gyratory and Northenden Road: Closure of the high street to through traffic with main vehicle movements directed around the centre. There is an opportunity through the GM Mayors Challenge Fund (MCF) for a new bidirectional cycle lane from Sale running along Northernden Road onto Sale Water Park, with associated improvements to the pedestrian and cycle environment.
• Warrener Street: The redefining of the highway through Sale Moor will enable the creation of a new village square as a focal point and provide a connection to any new development opportunity delivered on the Warrener Street car park site. No specific scheme has been agreed for the site as part of the Place Plan, but the area could deliver a mix of residential, retail and community uses whilst retaining car parking.

The main areas for improvements within the Hale Place Plan are:

• Hale Bowling Club and Surrounds: There are opportunities to make this area of green space more inclusive for all to use with a shared surface to make movements on both sides of Ashley Road safer, informal play space, tree planting and high quality paving that helps to make the space more attractive. There are further options for alternative temporary seasonal uses of the green itself to support the wider centre.
• Clock Tower Area: There are opportunities for improvement of this area as a focal point and gateway for the centre with the space surrounding the clock tower better utilised. Rationalisation of the highway layout and the space surrounding the clock tower alongside wider footways, tree planting and the creation of a new village green will provide spill out space for hospitality businesses and act as an area for potential events. Any detailed proposals which involve the relocation of car parking spaces will not result in any fewer spaces in the area.

For more information visit: democratic.trafford.gov.uk/documents