Custom House office-to-resi refused

An application to Salford City Council for the change of use of a 43,000 sq ft Bruntwood office in Salford Quays into 60 apartments has been refused.

Custom House is next to Furness House on the waterfront in Furness Quay, and provides offices across two interconnected blocks. Under the plans submitted by Factory Estates, the conversion would deliver 32 two-bedroom apartments, 20 one-bedroom flats and 16 studios.

The Custom House conversion was refused due to "insufficient information submitted with the application to demonstrate that the proposal would be an acceptable form of development within a flood zone, contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance."

Until 30 May 2015, a general permitted development order is in place which allows for offices to be converted to residential use without planning consent. However, prior approval from a local authority can be required in regard to the highway impact, contamination risks or flood risks on a site.

Custom House was formerly the offices of HM Revenue & Customs.