PLANNING | Manchester gives green light to £150m of city centre projects
The first planning committee of 2017 saw a variety of proposals come under the scrutiny of councillors, with the £110m Factory arts centre granted consent, a decision on a Renaker scheme in Castlefield postponed, and a private rented sector block in the Northern Quarter approved.
APPROVED
Factory arts centre
Developer: Allied London and Manchester City Council
Value: £110m
Architect: Office for Metropolitan Architecture
Capacity: 7,000
Type: Theatre and musical events space at St John’s
In the room: Cllr Joan Davies raised issues about coach drop-offs in the area potentially increasing traffic and running late into the night. The creation of a parking strategy was included within the approval conditions.
APPROVED
Blossom Street, Ancoats
Developer: Mulbury Homes
Value: £35m
Architect: Tim Groom
Height: Eight and seven storeys
Flats: 143
Type: Private rent
In the room: The project sparked debate with objections over the lack of affordable homes, an adverse effect on the conservation area, and questions as to whether it adheres to the recently approved Manchester Residential Design Standards.
POSTPONED
2-4 Chester Road, Castlefield
Developer: Renaker Build
Architect: OMI Architects
Height: 21 and 12 storeys
Flats: 188 apartments
Type: Private rent
In the room: A campaign by local residents, led by developer Castlefield Estates, submitted a plea to the council earlier this week that a decision on Renaker’s plans be delayed, pending a site visit. Criticism has centred around the project’s height, and the inclusion of a high which would block views of the historic Basin.