‘You’ve no right to a view,’ Salford tower block residents told after they object to new apartments

Neighbours of a planned development of apartment blocks in Salford worried they will spoil their vista have been told they have “no right to a view”.

The application to bulldoze a bingo hall and replace it with 268 homes in three blocks from six to nine storeys high looks odds on to be approved.

It goes before Salford’s planning and transportation regulatory panel on Thursday (1 September) and officers have already recommended it for the thumbs up.

Applicant Paul Thornton wants to demolish the Buzz Bingo hall on Hankinson Way, Pendleton, and replace it with 268 homes in three blocks ranging in height from six to nine storeys.

A report to the panel explains that the site is surrounded by high-rise residential development with Pendleton Police Station opposite.

In response letters to the planners from nearby residents, they say the blocks should be a maximum of four storeys high.

One says that residents on the fourth floor and above of Beech Court currently have views of Buile Hill Park, Winter Hill and the moors.

It goes on: “This development is very close and will take away that sense of space that has been really helpful, particularly to people suffering from mental health issues.”

But an officer’s reply to this says: “Unfortunately, no one has a ‘right’ to a view.”

In the development there would be 117 one-bedroom apartments, 137 with two beds, 10 with three beds and four three-bed maisonettes.

Officers are suggesting stipulating affordable housing units numbering between 54 or 94, managed by an affordable housing provider, as a condition of approval.