Plans have been unveiled for a new, highly sustainable social housing development exclusively for older people in Salford.

Housing association Salix Homes, in partnership with NHS Greater Manchester, are seeking planning permission to build a 69-home ‘independent living scheme’ for the over 55s on disused land on Arrow Street in Higher Broughton.

The proposed development, which also includes an on-site doctors’ surgery and health clinic, will be built to Passivhaus standards, which is the leading low-energy design standard.

Passivhaus homes offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, enabling a healthier living environment as well as lower energy bills.

Planning permission was previously approved in 2020 for a 70-unit ‘extra care’ facility at the site, but the revised proposals aim to better serve the needs of the community’s ageing population.

Liam Turner, Executive Director of Assets, Growth and Sustainability at Salix Homes, said:

“We’re excited to share our revised plans for this new, highly sustainable, social housing development in Salford, designed specifically for people over 55. Partnering with NHS Greater Manchester, we aim to provide desirable, comfortable and sustainable social housing that better meets the needs and aspirations of older people. The Passivhaus design means these homes will be super energy-efficient, helping residents save on bills while enjoying a healthier living environment. The inclusion of a GP surgery on-site further underpins our commitment to working collaboratively with the health sector to support people’s wellbeing and develop future-proof homes that enable people to live independently for longer and reduce pressures on the NHS.”

The proposals comprise 66 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments. Some of the apartments will be specifically designed to cater for residents with extra-mobility needs, including wheelchair access.

Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford, is no stranger to Passivhaus design having recently completed the Greenhaus development.

Greenhaus is the largest Passivhaus affordable housing development in the North West, delivering 96 highly-sustainable homes to Chapel Street in Salford. Construction is also underway on a similar Passivahus-certified scheme – Willohaus on Peru Street – which will deliver a further 100 affordable eco-homes in Salford.

The 2.1 acre brownfield site on Arrow Street has stood empty for more than 20 years, so the development will help revitalise the area, transforming an empty site into much-needed social housing and healthcare services.

Salix Homes submitted its plans to Salford City Council this month (July) and a decision is expected later this year.