WHERE IS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING? ANOTHER 1,000+ HOMES TO BE BUILT AND ONLY ONE OF THEM WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS AFFORDABLE

It would be the tallest building in Salford, an impressive 55 Storey Greengate skyscraper towering over an accompanying 14 storey block, both of which boasting a combined 545 apartments between them - a mix of one, two and three bedrooms, as well as duplexes and penthouses, none of which would be considered as affordable by current standards.

Once more developers claim the reason for not coughing up cash as being those of what is termed 'scheme viability', instead they have agreed to pay out £2.4m towards a new pedestrianised area to make the 'Birthplace of Salford' which is to be called Market Cross. The council however are keen to stress there will be a 'claw back' included in the agreement to force the developer to pay more money if their scheme is more profitable than anticipated.

One Heritage Tower in Greengate is set to be approved at the councils planning meeting this Thursday.

Meanwhile a further 457 posh student digs are being proposed by Bricks Capital for a second stage development for Salford Quays, no dingy flats here though, they will be upmarket homes in a 'campus style space' complete with 'communal slide' and a 'sky lounge' to hang out in style in - for those of course who are lucky enough to be able to afford one.

The 15 storey block is badged by the developer as being a mix of premium quality apartments and suites. 

Sitting not far will be the companies first stage of development which is set to add an additional 400 more student apartments to the area, complete with its own Gym and Coffee Shop as well a movie theatre for residents of both blocks to use.

Due to the 'student nature' of the buildings none will be required to be affordable as there is no requirement.

If the scheme is approved this week as it is looking like, then the council will see the developer pay towards local projects including improvements to pedestrian and cycle access to the area around Anchorage and/or Broadway.

Over in the boom-town area of Orsdall they will see another 400 apartments added to it the areas ever increasing numbers, sadly only one of them will be classified as affordable.

The developer instead has agreed pay costs of up to £673,884 towards the provision of a new bus service which will run between Salford Quays and Central Manchester, additionally £60,000 will be provided towards ‘open space,’  and a further £17,000 will be put towards developing educational facilities a £3,000 parking permit scheme has been said to have also been agreed.

In November the council looked set to ask for increased section 106 contributions as well as upping the percentage of affordable housing required for residential projects. The council said it was making a minor refresh to its already existing planning documents rather than the introduction of new policy of formulaic approaches.

If these plans are green-lit then we can not honestly say that they will do anything to increase the amount of affordable housing in the Salford.