Manchester approves 300 homes

A 24-storey tower is coming to the Green Quarter while Levenshulme Cricket Club is set to host 50 affordable houses now that Linear Living and Southway Housing Trust have had their respective planning applications given the green light by city councillors this afternoon.

Not so lucky was charity Binas Yisachar, which had its application to convert a care home in Crumpsall into a primary school deferred for a site visit.

Land on the corner of Lord Street and Cheetham Hill Road

• Application reference: 145243/FO/2026

Linear Living received the go-ahead from Manchester city councillors to build 251 homes on a small site in the Green Quarter. The homes will comprise four two-bed townhouses, 82 one-bed flats, and 165 two-bed apartments in a tower reaching 24 storeys at its highest point

The brownfield site was once home to commercial units, but these have been demolished for some time. In 2016, it had garnered planning permission for a 16-storey residential building that never came to fruition. The plot sits near to the Strangeways and Cambridge Strategic Regeneration Framework area.

The scheme has an estimated construction cost of £70m, according to a viability appraisal by CBRE. The consultancy added that the gross development value of the project is £82.8m and, as such, Linear Living is unable to provide affordable housing.

Linear Living expects to start on site before the year finishes, with an eye towards completing in early 2029.

Stephen Holmes, chief executive of Linear Living, said: “This approval marks a major step for Linear Living, as we build on our success across Greater Manchester and establish a strong presence in the city centre.

“The Green Quarter is one of the most vibrant and dynamic parts of Manchester, and the ideal location for a residential scheme of this scale and calibre. Its position next to Manchester Victoria offers easy access across the city and beyond, while a thriving mix of leisure and hospitality options sit on the doorstep of the project,” he said.

“One Lord Street is set to be an exceptional residential scheme that will help shape the future of the Green Quarter for generations to come.”

Enabl is the planning consultant for the project, which was designed by AEW Architects. The project team includes Re-form, Rihbell, CAD21, ND Oliver & Co, Redmore Environmental, Civic, GTech Surveys, Oxford Archaeology, Element Sustainability, Sol Acoustics, Ramboll, CBRE, OFR, Curtins, E3P, Peak Properties, and Proximity.

Calderpeel designed the proposals for Southway Housing Trust. Credit: via planning documents

Former Levenshulme Cricket Club

• Application reference: 144830/FO/2025

Southway Housing Trust’s plans for the three-acre site will see 21 affordable rental homes and 29 shared ownership properties built.

The plot, which sits off Elsa Road, was once a cricket club and then a football pitch. Now, the playing field is overgrown after being out of use for several years. Southway Housing Trust acquired the site from Manchester City Council last year.

The registered provider’s proposals for an array of two-storey houses were drawn up by Calderpeel. Each residence would include space to park, an EV charger, and solar panels.

In addition to Calderpeel, the project team includes Pegasus, Seddon, E3P, Eddisons, AJP, TWC Consulting, Enzygo, and GTech Services.