Controversial plans for 12-storey office and huge hotel at Ralli Quays approved

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Controversial multi-million pound plans for a 12-storey office and 16-storey, 260-bedroom hotel block in Ordsall have been approved.

Salford Council discussed the plans for Ralli Quays at this morning’s planning panel meeting (Thursday January 20) and granted permission for the plans, despite 123 letters of objection being received regarding the proposals.

Council officers recommended the application for approval before discussion began.

The sticking point of the application proved to be that the proposals also threaten a 300-year-old right of way alongside the River Irwell, which would in effect be erased by the new development.

As part of the plans, a new route through the hotel site would be opened to the public for walking and cycling, but this would be shut between the dawn and dusk.

Dr Morag Rose, a researcher and lecturer who works to protect Greater Manchester’s walking routes, said she did not object to the plans, but requested a ‘vital’ condition for the plans – removing a stopping up order that shuts off the 300-year-old right of way.

She said that closing the path would amount to ‘gentrification, social cleansing and the theft of public land for private profit’.

Dr Rose added: “The River Irwell, our Irwell, should be for everyone – please do not allow it to be annexed. Salford deserves better. Let’s be frank, the security issues largely relate to homeless people. Enclosure is not a compassionate or appropriate response to homelessness. Salford is better than this.”

The hotel and office development, complete with roof terraces, is proposed by property and investment giants Legal & General Investment Management.

As well as owning a 50pc interest in Media City, L&G have provided major long term investment in