Major development rejected for being 'too tall' could still get go ahead

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Major developments which were knocked back by Manchester's planning committee are set to face another vote when councillors meet this week. Plans for 485 flats between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, including a 35-storey tower in Port Street, could still go ahead if approved at the meeting.

The proposal was criticised for being 'too tall' and having no affordable homes – although the developer agreed to pay £1m for affordable housing elsewhere. Last month, the planning committee voted against the scheme by developer SimpsonHaugh, asking town hall planners to address several concerns raised.

Another application for 54 apartments in a 15-storey tower near Piccadilly Station was also discussed at the last meeting, but the decision was delayed. The M1 Piccadilly development in Store Street, which has been backed by Liverpool footballer Naby Keita, would not feature any affordable flats, but the developer agreed to contribute £125,000 towards affordable housing off site.

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Nevertheless, speaking against both applications, Piccadilly ward councillor Sam Wheeler said the money offered for affordable housing was not enough. Councillors deferred the decision asking for a visit of the site to be arranged.

They came to the same conclusion about an application to rebuild a Grade-II listed office block in Fountain Street which would retain its Victorian façade. All three developments are on the agenda for the next planning committee meeting on Thursday (June 30) with a recommendation from town hall bosses to approve all of the proposals subject to legal agreements being signed off.

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