News

18 November 2008
Salford Forest Park Appeal Lodged

Peel Holdings have announced that they have lodged an appeal against the failure of both Salford City Council and Wigan Council to determine their long running planning application for their Salford Forest Park scheme.

Peel’s proposals for Salford Forest Park and a new Manchester racecourse were originally revealed  back in 2001. A planning application was submitted at that time but was subsequently withdrawn. A second application was submitted in July 2004 but, despite vast amounts of detailed information being submitted by Peel in support of the proposal, the application has still not been determined.

Philip Rothwell, Senior Development Planning Manager of Peel said:

“Having spent the past 4 years supplying detailed information to the council we believe that lodging an appeal is the only way that a decision will be made on this scheme.  We do not underestimate the size of the scheme or the concerns of local residents but we feel that adequate information has been provided and  a decision needs to be made. Even if the Councils wished to approve the scheme it is almost certain that the proposal would have been called in for determination by the Secretary of State. Effectively, all we are doing by appealing now is bringing forward the public inquiry that will have to be held. Peel still believes Salford Forest Park is an excellent scheme that will bring a major new recreation and tourist attraction to the area in addition to the creation of more than 500 new jobs and other benefits to the area”.

The scheme will bring 1690 acres of land privately owned by Peel into public use to create a truly unique Forest Park.

Salford Forest Park would bring horse-racing back to Manchester after a 45 year absence.

Manchester Racecourse is however only one element in what will be a major recreational and tourism attraction. Other facilities planned include a Forest Park Visitor Centre, Eco Village including play area and a woodland wildlife centre, a  high-level woodland walk, 18 hole golf course, hotel and around 11 miles of cycle trails, 8 miles of riding trails and 20 miles of footpaths.

For further press information please contact:
Alison Tennant, PR Manager, Peel Holdings
Tel 0161 629 8200
email: atennant@peel.co.uk