Campaigners fighting to retain access to a historic riverside footpath in Salford are celebrating victory having overturned plans to divert the public right of way at Ralli Quays, next to the River Irwell, through a hotel lobby.
Developers Legal and General have now amended their plans and they now include the guarantee that ‘from the hotel opening date the towpath shall be dedicated as highway for use by pedestrians for public access in perpetuity’ and the hotel will not open until ‘the route is open and available for use by the public’. The move signals victory for campaigners working together as ‘Our Irwell’.
Planning permission for the development was originally granted by Salford city council in January 2022 despite strong objections. Campaigners argued access to the river is a fundamental right. Closure would be against aims to improve active travel, health and well-being, and the local environment in Salford.
