A PLAN has been submitted to assess the impact of up to 430 high-rise apartments on the former B&Q site in Stretford.

The application will consider the effect of Trafford Place — a high-rise apartment block in Great Stone Road of up to 13 storeys (up to 130ft in height), which would dwarf nearby housing and office blocks in Old Trafford and the adjacent Lancashire Cricket Club.

The application has been submitted by Matthew Hard, of Indigo Planning, who is applying on behalf of Accrue Capital, of Maidenhead.

Permission has already been given for the demolition of the former 10-pin bowling alley/night club/DIY store.

The application for screening opinion is being obtained under Regulation 5 of The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) 2017.

Under the general provisions, Trafford Council or the Secretary of State has to decide under these Regulations whether Schedule 2 development is EIA development.

In February, Accrue Capital, launched proposals for a new residential development of about 430 homes, to regenerate what it saw as a derelict brownfield site and bring much-needed new homes to the Old Trafford area.

On the back of the announcement, the firm launched a public consultation, which has since closed, so that a final proposal could be submitted for planning consideration, which it said would take into account a range of local opinions.

At the time it said the new homes, would comprise of a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties.

In a statement at the time to the Messenger, the firm said it would be designed so that it steps up in height away from Great Stone Road.

At its tallest, it would provide stunning views over the cricket ground, as well as new public realm and a mix of complementary uses, which may include a gym / fitness suite for public use, some small retail spaces (eg coffee shop) and room for additional community uses.

As part of the site’s redevelopment, the aim was further to provide a new footpath parallel to the tramline that will improve the area’s already excellent connectivity with public transport services.

Trafford Place will aim to deliver build-to-rent units, which are encouraged by the Government, and will help provide homes to rent to local people.

Stephen Webster, chairman of Accrue Capital, said: “The number of new homes needed in Trafford vastly exceeds the current pipeline of expected new development.

“Our vision is to help change that, by delivering a scheme which will create around 430 new homes for the area, whilst also delivering considerable economic benefits to the area.”

This week, a spokesman for Accrue Capital told the Messenger: “The latest update is that Accrue, together with its architects, is in the process of finalising the planning application (including taking on board the consultation feedback).

As we went to press we were awaiting a response from Lancashire Cricket Club to the proposed development.