Sale B&M set to be demolished after apartments plan approved
Sale B&M set to be demolished after apartments plan approved
Sale's B&M store is set to be demolished after plans for a new apartment scheme on Broad Road were approved by Trafford Council.
The development will see the existing store replaced with a six-storey apartment block, creating up to 68 new homes. The homes will be a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, with the final details still to be agreed through the planning process.
For many local people, the decision will be a difficult one to welcome.
B&M has been on its Broad Road site since 2012 and has become one of Sale’s most recognisable everyday shops. For residents who use it regularly for affordable household items, food, toiletries, cleaning products, garden bits and general essentials, its loss will be felt.
Some residents did submit a written objection to the planning committee, saying the closure would cause disruption for people who rely on the store, while others raised concerns about traffic, parking, pressure on local services and the loss of the store itself.
The parking provision was one of the main points debated by councillors. The scheme includes around 20 spaces, significantly fewer than the number usually recommended for a development of this size. Councillor Meena Minnis said she could not support the application, telling the committee that 20 spaces "doesn't quite cut it" for 68 flats.
However, the applicant argued that the site is in a highly sustainable location, close to public transport and local amenities, where reliance on private cars should be reduced.
Speaking in support of the principle of development, councillor James Wright said: "If we can't build on this particular site, then I'm not sure where we can build in Trafford.
"It’s a brownfield site. It's in a very sustainable location. You are close to a bus route, you are close to a Metrolink station, it can take you anywhere in Greater Manchester, not just into the city centre.
"We are getting much-needed housing in a part of the borough that is very expensive. Not just getting much-needed housing, we're getting affordable housing at the compliant rate, plus social rent housing as well."
Sale does need more homes, particularly on brownfield sites close to public transport, shops and services. The town is expensive, demand is high and many people who live here, work here or have family nearby are finding it increasingly difficult to stay local. But losing a brand name like B&M is also disappointing. While new cafés, bars and restaurants have helped change the feel of Sale town centre in recent years, practical everyday shops remain important too. For many residents, especially those without a car or on tighter budgets, B&M is part of the weekly routine.
The agent for the development, Oliver Walker-Corbett, said the loss of B&M was "regrettable", but that the benefits of the scheme would outweigh it.
He said: "There has been extensive investment in Sale town centre over recent years to provide a walkable and attractive place to visit and spend time with family and friends, and providing new homes on this site will support the continuing regeneration of the town for years to come."
The approval granted is outline permission, which means the principle of development has been accepted, but further details will still need to be submitted and approved by Trafford Council before the scheme can move forward.
According to planning documents, the development would include one and two-bedroom flats, private gardens for some ground-floor apartments and a roof terrace.
Residents can view the application by searching for reference 117693/OUT/25 on Trafford Council's planning portal.
