Planners endorse latest Whitaker resi block

A 28-storey residential tower on the site of the former Harry Ramsden's restaurant in Castlefield is likely to receive planning permission next week.

The Hodder & Partners-designed tower is within the Castlefield conservation area and will include 302 apartments and six town houses, as well as 3,000 sq ft for commercial uses.

A report ahead of the Manchester City Council planning and highways committee meeting on 16 October said that planners were minded to approve the scheme, which was put forward by Daren Whitaker's LQ Developments.

Sign-off will be subject to a section 106 agreement for a financial contribution towards environmental and infrastructure works with the city centre.

Although there has been some local opposition to the development due to its height, the report said the planning application had "demonstrated that this is an appropriate site for a tall building and that the development proposed would be well designed and of a high quality, achieving a striking landmark building at this important gateway site, and fulfilling an important role in providing a residential accommodation within the city centre, for which there is a need."

Deloitte advised on the planning submission.

Various companies managed by Whitaker are on site or are in the planning process for residential developments across Greater Manchester. Pinnacle Developments is on site with 500 apartments at Greengate in Salford, CS Developments submitted a planning application in April for 282 flats in Cambridge Street as part of the Macintosh Mills redevelopments, and WB Developments has applied for permission for a 491 apartment scheme next to the Campanile hotel.