PROPOSALS to transform a disused timber yard in Latchford into 189 apartments have been approved.

Carpenter Investments’ plans to build the apartments for private rent on the former AJ Beer and Co timber yard site, on Station Road, came before the development management committee on Wednesday.

The 1.75-hectare site is bordered by the Manchester Ship Canal and sits adjacent to the Cantilever Bridge.

It first became a timber yard in 1965 but has been vacant since 2006.

Darryl Kelly, director at Carpenter Investments, said the firm’s rents are affordable for working people.

He added: “Our residents would support and sustain Latchford shops and businesses.

“We have an excellent track record of delivering successful projects involving regeneration.”

Three five-storey apartment blocks will be built – with the proposals comprising 39 one-bed properties, 138 two-bed properties and 12 three-bed properties.

The associated works include cycle storage, bin storage, a substation and car parking for 232 cars on site.

Twelve letters of objection were submitted by residents, with concerns raised over the height of the development, potential increase in traffic, not enough parking and an excessive number of units.

But Cllr Steve Wright (LAB – Bewsey and Whitecross) raised concerns over whether the parking provision would suffice.

He said: “There are issues around Loushers Lane, Station Road, Grammar School Road and Latchford village.

“It does get difficult.”

The application was submitted with a transport assessment, which had been assessed by a highways officer.

In the peak periods, it is considered that the plans will generate 77 two-way movements between 8am and 9am and 95 movements between 5pm and 6pm.