Council launches court bid against Government over industrial site approval

Energy infrastructure firm, Peel NRE, had applied for permission to build an industrial, storage and distribution facility in the metropolitan borough, but the local authority refused the application on the basis that the scheme did not provide appropriate funding for infrastructure.

The council had sought a £5.4m contribution towards the Carrington Relief Road and other infrastructure.

Peel appealed against the refusal, and a planning inspector allowed the firm's appeal in July 2025.

The inspector found that the proposed £5.4m payment would not be justified, as "there would be no unacceptable impact on highway safety nor would the residual cumulative impacts on the road network be severe".

It also said the planning obligation, which would secure the contribution, would "not be fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development" due to the uncertainties in the absence of a masterplan.

Elsewhere, the decision notice highlighted the development's "notable contribution" towards meeting the employment and economic growth aspirations for the New Carrington Area, a 10% biodiversity net gain, and said the project's benefits would outweigh any heritage harm to a nearby Grade II* listed church.

Trafford said it is now contesting the lawfulness of the planning decision, following a detailed review, and is seeking to have it quashed by the High Court.

According to the council, the adopted planning policy for the New Carrington allocation in the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone plan was "misapplied", with the inspector incorrectly deeming that no financial contribution towards infrastructure was required.

Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said the council was "deeply disappointed by the outcome of the appeal", warning that it undermined a fundamental pillar of the Places for Everyone plan and risked leaving planned growth unsupported by the necessary infrastructure.

She added: "The proposed development will be using the local infrastructure and we believe the applicant should therefore contribute its fair share for its use."
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey