Residents living around a Salford reservoir have opposed plans to drain and fill the historic site to make way for dozens of new homes.
The proposals, from developers Mulbury Homes would see Winterbottom’s Reservoir in Weaste replaced by 35 homes, comprising 25 apartments and 10 townhouses, alongside associated parking and landscaping.
However, the plans have prompted concern from nearby residents and a local campaign group, who fear the development could threaten wildlife, increase flood risks and fundamentally change the character of their neighbourhood. 155 objections have been lodged so far.
Kim Woodward, one of the organisers of the campaign to save the reservoir, said the damage to wildlife living around the water was a major concern.
“The amount of wildlife that’s on there. And they’re just trying to say there isn’t, that it’s just derelict and there’s nothing living there.”
Woodward also criticised the repeated attempts to bring forward development proposals for the site.
“They keep on coming back with more planning applications and keep redoing them. Then every time the council rejects them, they’re coming back again, and it’s just nonstop”, she said.
“I just don’t like the idea at all.”
Another resident, who has lived at the property for 30 years, expressed concern about the impact of new homes on their immediate surroundings.
“We’ve lived here 30 years and never had anyone back to back with us,” they said. “Hopefully (it’s) not happening.
“Where’s the water gonna go?”
The reservoir has a history dating back to Salford’s industrial past.
It’s believed to have served a bleaching mill associated with Friedrich Engels, who co-owned the Ermen and Engels textile business in the area during the 19th century.
Concerns over its future are not new. In 2017, an earlier attempt to drain the reservoir prompted objections from residents and councillors, with reports at the time highlighting the presence of fish, frogs and bats around the site.
An updated site walkover has identified common birds and the potential for waterfowl, hedgehogs and frogs. Recommendations have been made to remove amphibians “by hand” away from any construction activities.
It has also been recommended that hedgehogs are not disturbed during their hibernation months and if they are found during inspection, ecologists have said they must be moved to nearby allotments.
The latest application has also attracted attention from local representatives, including Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, who has commented on the proposals, warning that the proposed drainage system “would increase flood risk both to the site and surrounding properties”.
In her objection to Salford City Council, she also highlighted the loss of a fishing facility previously used by residents across Greater Manchester, alongside concerns about the destruction of established wildlife habitats and greenspace.
The application remains under consideration by Salford City Council, with ecological and other planning considerations forming part of the assessment.
The agent of Mulbury Homes has been contacted for comment.
