PLANNERS have given the go ahead for a business park on the Altrincham 'heath' that gave Broadheath its name.

The decision caused fury among residents who claimed it was the last bit of green space in the area and a home for rare plants and wildlife.

Lloyds/TSB bank will now be able to build business premises extending to 184,449 square feet on the site, south of Hanover Road, Broadheath.

Councillor Harry Faulkner told Trafford's development control committee: "It is an industrial site and whether we approve this or not it is going to be developed sooner or later".

Residents claimed the development would result in offices and car parks being built right next to homes - when existing office blocks stand empty just down the road.

Cllr Jane Baugh sympathised with residents. There were always problems when there was an industrial estate next to a housing estate.

She said: "This is a well loved area of green lane - a lovely old part of Broadheath with woodland, specialised plants and wildlife. I would like to see it taken care of".

Cllr David Merrell pointed out the site was next to the A56 which already suffered traffic chaos.

"We are making life unbearable for people in the area with the traffic we are encouraging on the A56. This is a business park in an area we have stuffed full of commercial activities".

But planning officers said the scheme would achieve two important aims of Trafford's Unitary Development Plan - providing a new business park providing a variety of jobs and putting in place a significant extension to the local road network.

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