Step Places, Southway Housing Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University are pleased to announce the submission of a planning application for a transformative new residential development at Ryebank, Chorlton.
The proposed scheme will deliver 120 high-quality, energy-efficient homes, designed to create an inclusive, multi-generational community. One third of the entire site will remain as green space, with the preservation of the majority of the Aspen Grove and the established woodland adjacent to Longford Park.
Following extensive engagement with the community, stakeholders and officers over the past two years, the application represents a new standard for residential development in Manchester. It reflects the feedback received, ensuring a thoughtful and sustainable development that balances local and affordable housing needs with environmental considerations, that signifies a new chapter in the history of Ryebank Fields.
Key highlights of the proposal include:
- A diverse mix of homes, including affordable housing, co-housing, and private sale properties.
- 35% of homes designated as affordable, age-friendly housing to support independent living for over-55s.
- Eight one-bedroom apartments specifically designed for independent living for young adults with autistic needs.
- A partnership with Manchester Intergenerational Co-housing (MICO) to create a dedicated co-housing community.
- Significant retention and enhancement of green spaces, including community gardens, village greens, orchards and courtyards, as well as planting, play and learning spaces.
- Improved pedestrian and cycle connections, promoting sustainable transport options and creating a safe and accessible connection between Firswood and Chorlton-cum-Hardy without cars
The scheme would be built on the former Jacksons Brickworks clay pits, the residential development at Ryebank will remediate and clean the contaminated site from its historic uses in a way that provides a new space that all the public can use and enjoy for generations to come.
“We are excited to take this next step in bringing forward a development that not only provides much-needed homes to an in-demand part of South Manchester but does so in a way that respects the site’s history and local environment,”
“The feedback we have received since being selected as the preferred developer back in 2022 has been fundamental to how our plans have evolved, and we are committed to delivering a development that reflects the aspirations of the Chorlton community.”
Harinder Dhaliwal, Managing Director at Step Places
Community-based housing association Southway Housing Trust would deliver the 42 affordable, Age Friendly homes which would be one and two-bed accessible and inclusive apartments to support those over 55. Subject to funding arrangements, these will be let at Social Rent which is around 50% of market rent levels. Southway will also manage the homes for autistic young adults.
Assistant Director at Southway Housing Trust, Jonathan Turner, said:
“Southway is delighted to be working with Step Places to bring forward affordable homes as part of the Ryebank proposals and address a housing shortage in Chorlton. The plans will create a mixed, sustainable community to help the city meet its housing targets.”
Jonathan Turner
In a steadfast commitment to high environmental standards, all buildings on Ryebank will be certified Passivhaus for superior energy efficiency. They will benefit from a comfortable living environment, enhanced ventilation, and sustainable design and build, utilising modern methods of construction (MMC), if approved. The scheme would be one of the first large scale Passivhaus certified residential developments in south Manchester.
The developers are also in conversation with energy providers to explore options for green tariffs that would significantly reduce or remove bills for future residents.
The planning authorities will now review the application, with a decision expected in due course. In the meantime, residents and stakeholders can view the full planning submission and share any further comments on the planning portals.