Planning permission for the redevelopment of Trafford Town Hall has been approved by the Council's planning committee.

The decision, recorded as minded to grant, will now be referred to the Secretary of State and if approved will then be referred back to the Council for the Chief Planning Officer to ratify the decision.

Shepherd Developments had submitted plans, designed by Manchester-based 5Plus Architects, that include opening up the complex for public use with rooms for community groups to hire and creating a modern customer service centre allowing residents to contact Council services from the North of the Borough.

The application followed a series of public events which gave residents an opportunity to view and comment on the proposals. 82 per cent of those who attended the events said they were generally in favour of the redevelopment plans.

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Trafford Town Hall is being redeveloped in a bid to save the Council millions of pounds over the coming years. Without redeveloping, the Council would have to spend at least £34 million over a 25 year period to maintain all its administrative buildings. The redevelopment will save millions by allowing the Council to reduce the number of administrative buildings from six down to one main building and will reduce the maintenance costs of the Town Hall, meaning the Council will now be spending at least £5 million less. It also means this highly valued heritage asset is preserved for future generations of Trafford residents.

Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Matt Colledge said: "Trafford Town Hall requires an immediate programme of significant repairs if it is to remain operational. Redeveloping now will prevent the building going into further decay which would necessitate greater expense down the line and will provide us with an opportunity to make millions of pounds worth of savings, money that will be used to support front line services."

"The planning application approval means we are now one step closer to being able to begin work on this crucial project."

Building work on the Town Hall is due to commence in the summer with Council staff being relocated to Quay West on Trafford Wharf road for the duration of the project.

(CD/KMcA)