Plans for 33-storey apartment block rejected twice for being 'too tall' finally approved

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A 33-storey apartment block has been given the green light after one floor was removed from the plans which were rejected twice for being 'too tall'. Plans for 481 flats off Great Ancoats Street were approved by Manchester's planning committee despite hundreds of objections about the tallest block.

The committee concluded that reducing the height of the tower proposed in Port Street by one storey would bring it in line with the masterplan for the area. Some councillors criticised the plans which feature no affordable flats and said the £1m contribution towards affordable housing elsewhere was still too small.

But the £154m scheme was approved with most councillors voting in favour. Neighbouring residents, hundreds of whom objected, have expressed their disappointment at the decision – and some have said they will not accept it.

READ MORE: 'An absolute abomination': Residents hit out after skyscraper rejected for being 'too tall' now could be built - after height reduced by just ONE floor

Speaking after the planning committee meeting on Thursday (July 28), Zoe Salisbury told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the Royal Mills Residents Association is now exploring how it can block the development. She said removing one floor was not enough to address objectors' concerns about the impact it would have on sunlight in the area, including at a school.

The chartered surveyor also claimed that the scheme contradicts Manchester council's vision for the area which proposes a shorter building in Port Street. Speaking at the committee meeting, she said: "Once this is built, the impact on our city, residents and the historic area will be blighted forever more."

The objector also told councillors that the developer's