English Heritage objects to One Spinningfields

Planning officers have recommended that an application from developer Allied London for the 19-storey redevelopment of Quay House in Spinningfields be approved, despite English Heritage describing the proposals as "harmful".

Designed by Ian Simpson Architects, One Spinningfields in Quay Street would provide 343,000 sq ft of office space in addition to a skyline restaurant and ground floor units for restaurants, a café and retail occupier.

However, English Heritage has recommended that permission be refused. The organisation said that, while it supports the principle of replacing the existing building, it does not support the current application as the development would have "a harmful impact" on the settings of several heritage assets in the surrounding area "from an historic environment perspective". These include Cobden House, Royal London House, the Opera House, listed terraces on St John Street, and the Deansgate, St John Street and Castlefield conservation areas.

The objections were included within a planning officer's report to the planning and highways committee meeting due to take place on 8 May.

The Manchester Conservation Areas & Historic Buildings Panel also "advised caution about the removal of too many 1960s buildings which are recognised as having heritage value". The panel went on to describe the height of the building as having "a highly unfortunate impact on the character of this area".

Deloitte Real Estate submitted the application on behalf of Allied London.

No one was available for comment from Allied London.