RESIDENTS have given the thumbs-up to a £1 billion housing and business scheme earmarked for land near the Trafford Centre.

The plans for the ambitious Trafford Waters development - situated on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, next to the intu Trafford Centre – were put on public display for two days.

The exhibition, at the Venus building off Trafford Boulevard, was attended by 169 people, and almost half of these filled in a comment form to express their views.

Of these, two-thirds – 55 - backed the proposal, welcoming the massive investment and jobs boost that developer Peel says the scheme could provide, as well as the prospect of transforming a disused site.

Twenty-five people were unsure about it, while two opposed the plan. Another attendee did not express a view.

Peel claims 5,000 jobs will be provided on the 62-acre plot. Around 500 building site jobs will be created during construction of the scheme, and the completed development will be the base for about 4,500 office and retail posts.

James Whittaker, development director at Peel Land and Property, said: “We are delighted that so many people took the time to learn about our plans for Trafford Waters, and that many of them share our enthusiasm for the scheme.

“We were pleased to have the opportunity to explain our vision for providing high-density urban living, including for families, in an attractive setting with lots of green space, something not currently available in Greater Manchester.

“We will now be carefully reviewing the feedback to ensure that our planning application addresses any points people have raised.”

The Trafford Waters scheme will include up to 3,000 flats, and 875,000ft of commercial space - including offices, shops, leisure and community uses. There will be ‘green corridors’ and waterways throughout the site.

A planning application will be submitted to Trafford Council shortly, and it is expected to be determined in the summer.

More information can be found by visiting www.traffordwaters.co.uk or by calling the Freephone project information line on 0800 298 7040.