ByJonathan Kalmus, Jonathan Kalmus
A "kosher" housing development complete with double-sinked kitchens, succah roofs and hand-washing stations for every property is getting the go-ahead from Salford City Council planners.
Proposals for the 80-unit development close to Salford's strictly Orthodox community was recommended for approval at a planning meeting this week.
Only a handful of residents have objected to the plans for three-to-six-bedroom houses. Nine Jewish residents in an adjoining road complained the scheme usurps land promised to them by the council for garden extensions. Another resident objected on the ground that the development was "specifically designed for the Jewish community". The council rejected both claims.
However, hopes for affordable housing options may be dashed after the council back-tracked on its insistence that 16 houses should assist low income families. It accepted the view of developer Countryside Properties that affordable housing would render the scheme economically impossible.
Nava Kestenbaum, who has been working with the Agudas Israel Housing Association, stressed the need for social housing to alleviate huge demand from the growing Salford Charedi community.
Scores of families need housing
"We are talking about scores of families who need housing. It's not even larger families, but family housing of all sizes, from two-bedroom and upwards. There is a sense of hope that [Countryside's development] will still provide some attractive financial purchase options," she said.
Countryside's Ian Simpson reported good progress "in our dialogue with Salford City Council and other stakeholders to ensure that the development will offer appropriate opportunities for low-cost home ownership".