PLANS to build a tower block containing 433 flats on the former B&Q site in Old Trafford are set to be thrown out by town hall bosses.

They fear the 13-storey building would be too high for the area – and impact neighbouring Trafford Town Hall and Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC).

Council officers have recommended the scheme be refused.

Accure Capital is seeking permission to build Trafford Place on a derelict site at Great Stone Road.

Plans for the scheme include a mix of one, two and three-bed properties, a public realm and ground-floor units designed for commercial or community uses.

Documents revealed that car and cycle parking will be provided beneath a podium level, and the scheme will also include a car club.

The development will provide ‘build to rent’ properties, which will deliver homes for local people who prefer to rent ‘well managed’ developments.

According to the report, the aim of the scheme is to offer homes at a competitive discount rate compared to Manchester city centre.

The project would also deliver ‘significant’ local economic benefits, including a substantial number of temporary jobs.

However, planning documents revealed ‘serious concerns’ with various elements of the project.

“The harm caused to the town hall as a result of the excessive height and scale of the development – and the loss of views of the clock tower  – are such that the benefits of the scheme don’t outweigh this harm,” read a report.

“It is considered that this is a clear reason to refuse the scheme.

“In addition, the impact the development would have on the cricket club has not been adequately considered.

“The assessment has also failed to consider what impact the building would have on the character of nearby Longford Park, which is a conservation area.”

Accure Capital has also been criticised for delivering just half of its affordable housing quota by offering just 22 apartments.

However, company bosses say it is ‘not financially viable’  to provide more affordable homes or pay towards local infrastructure improvements.

A spokesman from Accure Capital said:  “We are naturally disappointed by the recommendations of the planning report, however,  we hope the bold vision to deliver crucial new homes on a derelict site will be recognised and embraced by the planning committee when it considers the application.

“We are particularly disappointed that despite extensive consultation with the planning department, there were a number of issues raised in the report which we had not been made aware of until this point.

“This is frustrating as several of the matters raised are easily resolved.”

The spokesman continued: “In relation to issues raised over massing and height, the conclusions of the report are entirely subjective.

“The design of the building is sympathetic to its surrounding – and substantial technical modelling shows no significant adverse impact on nearby residents.

“It also shows no detrimental impact on the cricket ground.

“Trafford council has expressed a brownfield first approach to delivering new homes, which reduces the pressure on using green belt land for housing.

“The council is also the ninth worst performing authority in England in terms of housing delivery.

“A well thought through development such as this with an investment of up to £80m should be welcomed with open arms.

“We remain unsure why the council is pursuing this agenda but hope that the committee shares our vision.”

The application is due to be discussed by members of the council’s planning committee on Thursday.