Plans to transform former Eccles church site lodged
Proposals to transform a derelict site in Winton that formerly housed St Matthews Roman Catholic Church and associated Presbytery have been submitted to Salford City Council.
Lodged by Euan Kellie Property Solutions, on behalf of Lancet Homes, the residential arm of Brookhouse Group, the plans are for 40 new affordable homes across two four-storey buildings, designated cycle storage, a communal amenity space and a 20-space car park.
Comprising one- and two-bed properties, the development will be 100 per cent affordable homes, way over and above the 20 per cent mandated by the local authority. The affordable housing will be managed by ForHousing.
The brownfield site, situated on Worsley Road (B5211), spans 0.65 acres and has been vacant since the church ceased operations in November 2018 and was cleared in 2024.
The proposed development is situated in a highly sustainable area, close to bus routes and will have a strong focus on quality design.
Proposals have been developed in accordance with a number of local policies, including Salford Local Plan: Development Management Policies and Designations and Places for Everyone. They also incorporated feedback from a public consultation process undertaken in May 2025.
Kelly Paddick, director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions, said: “The lack of affordable housing is a top priority for city mayor, Paul Dennett and this project will service an acute need for one- and two-bedroom homes in Salford.
“Situated within an already established residential area, the proposed development has the requisite infrastructure to support new residents and we’re pleased to have facilitated plans that will feed undersupply in Salford.”
Nigel Sedman, executive director of Homes at ForHousing, added:“We’re pleased to see the planning submitted for this important development, which will help meet the growing demand for affordable homes in Salford.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about creating places where people can thrive. By working closely with partners and the local community, we’re turning a long-vacant site into high-quality homes that will make a real difference.”
Mike Nuttall, director at Lancet Homes, concluded: “We are pleased to be working with the teams at EKPS to bring forward a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme on a vacant previously developed site.
“We have already undertaken several similar turnkey projects working with social landlords in the Northwest and hope to grow further this much-needed development activity to meet the challenges of the housing crisis in our communities.”