REIP lodges Warp & Weft appeal
The developer behind refused plans to demolish a pair of grade two-listed former weavers cottages on Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter to make way for an apartment scheme has asked that the city council’s ruling be overturned.
In a statement to Place North West, Simon Gallanders, director at Real Estate Investment Partnerships, said: “We can confirm that REIP has submitted an appeal against the decision. We remain committed to the scheme and creating a building which is fit for future generations to come.”
The developer wants to demolish 42-46 Thomas Street to unlock land for a five-storey block containing 20 apartments designed by Jon Matthews Architects.
The council approved the Warp & Weft development in 2017, but, a year later, conservation body Historic England granted the cottages listed status following a request from an anonymous party.
As a result, REIP submitted a listed building application in February 2020 to demolish the buildings, so that it could bring forward the scheme.
However, an application for the demolition work was refused by Manchester City Council last August, despite a recommendation to approve from officers.
Development site after demolition of unsafe buildings; listed buildings are to the right
Following the refusal, Steve Slater, chief executive of Real Estate Investment Partnerships, said the firm was “faced with no other course of action than to appeal”.
Manchester City Council planning officers twice recommended that the demolition be approved, supporting the developer’s claims that retaining the listed buildings would make the scheme unviable.
Piccadilly ward councillor Sam Wheeler, who has been an outspoken opponent of the project, said: “It is rapacious developers, not kids with spray paint, who are the biggest threat to our shared inheritance.
“I sincerely hope the Secretary of State rejects this elitist, anti-democratic attack on Manchester’s working class history and denies the appeal.”
It’s a pile of unusable rubble behind fences covered in graffiti and posters for cancelled events. This isn’t a piece of important heritage to preserve, and anyone claiming it is has clearly never been to look at it.
By RC
YES. Get them built. Utter dump around here atm and also dangerous might I add. I’m all for keeping history but only if it is worth it. These really aren’t.
By Bob
I’m just staggered this hasn’t already been built. There is nothing to ‘preserve’ or retain. Empty beer tins and rodents. And as for the design, looks great. Only gripe (but too often is) I can’t see any balconies. Maybe the council can be constructive here and suggest that balconies are included in a modified app,,,,, Also roof terrace? Nice choice of brick and glass.
By Robert Fuller
It’s a great scheme and should be built. It’s a future listed building
By Brickman
Always been a great scheme. I understand the objections but I just don’t feel the weavers are worth saving. Did anyone know they were there before this planning application? That tells you everything about their worth.
Balconies I don’t think would work here due to the size.
By Tomo
It’s great that the developers have managed to get people lobbying for them for free, thanks to some glossy CGIs and their neglect of the site.
But let’s not forget that there’s a really valuable bit of heritage hidden in amongst all the dilapidation, detritus and rodents that could be a real asset to the area if carefully refurbished and incorporated into the new scheme.
By Baby
Let’s hope that the appeal is successful and the council have to pay costs.
By Anonymous
If the Council really wanted to retain some good examples of weavers cottages like these, they should have thought about that before there were so few left and bought some up.
I may be wrong, there might be some stunning refurbished examples, but there have been many, many like this demolished. It’s a bit late now.
By Edge
Should have been saved by Manchester City Council a long time ago. Same with the one on Tib Street. As usual Manchester City Council are too busy with overseas investors. Such a shame as these cottages are so much a part of this great city’s history. It would be great to see them turned back to their former glory as an example of how people used to live in the city. Can’t see that happening though. The council can’t be bothered with a museum for the musical output never mind saving a couple of cottages.
By Chalkie White