Prioritising investment in Wythenshawe

Common questions based on customer feedback and enquiries

• Why is parking such a problem on some estates?

  Parking demand has increased over time. Many estates were designed decades ago when there were fewer cars. 

  In some areas, there are more cars than parking spaces. This can lead to frustration. 

• Why don’t you create more parking spaces?

  We understand why residents ask this. 

  Creating parking would use land and rent that could be used to: 

  • Maintain and improve homes 

  • Improve energy efficiency of our homes (make thermal improvements) 

  • Build new homes 

  These are our main priorities. We focus investment where it has the biggest impact on homes and housing. 

• So you’ll build homes on green space but not parking?

  Building homes is one of our core responsibilities. 

  There are around 20,000 households waiting for housing across Greater Manchester. Where we can, building homes helps meet that need. 

• Does that mean parking doesn’t matter?

  No. We know parking matters and can be frustrating. 

  But it’s one of several competing demands on land and investment. We have to make careful decisions about how residents’ rent is used. 

• What can actually be done where I live?

  Support is available. 

  This can include 

  • Site visits 
  • Reviewing signage or layout 
  • Improving markings in existing parking areas 
  • Installing bollards to protect green space 
  • Dealing with anti-social behaviour 
  • Supporting mediation where needed 

  We also work with Manchester City Council on issues like abandoned vehicles. 

• Why do new homes have parking but existing estates don’t change?

  Parking in new housing developments is usually set by Manchester City Council planning requirements. 

  The level of parking depends on the development and location. Providing more parking can reduce the number of homes that can be built. 

  Existing estates are different. Changing them would mean using land and residents’ rent that would otherwise be used to: 

  • Maintain and improve homes 
  • Improve energy efficiency of our homes (make thermal improvements) 
  • Build new homes 

  We focus investment on homes and housing. 

• What about areas affected by external parking (e.g. airport use)?

  In some locations, parking problems are affected by external factors. 

  Public roads and enforcement are managed by Manchester City Council. We work with them where appropriate. 

• What if someone needs parking because of a disability?

  Residents who need accessible parking can apply through Manchester City Council. 

  They assess requests and install disabled parking bays where appropriate. 

• Will your approach change?

  Our approach is based on prioritising maintaining homes, improving energy efficiency of our homes (making thermal improvements) and building new homes. 

  Any future changes would need to balance these same priorities.