A crucial decision on a proposed 50-storey skyscraper in Manchester has been postponed for a second time after a massive, last-minute report was submitted. The future of the 750-flat development on Great Ancoats Street now hangs in the balance.
Skyscraper Decision Deferred Again
The planning application from developers Liquid Funding Business was set to be decided by Manchester City Council's planning committee on Thursday, December 18. The scheme, for the site of the former Stockton's furniture store, includes two towers of 25 and 50 storeys, containing a total of 752 homes.
However, the meeting was thrown into disarray by the submission of a 1,000-page residents' report, delivered beyond the official deadline for representations. Planning director Julie Roscoe informed councillors that while the report was exceptionally late, the applicant was aware of it and had themselves requested a delay to allow proper consideration.
This marks the second setback for the project. Last month, councillors criticised the design as 'another unimaginative cereal box' and opted to visit the site before making a final ruling.
Chorlton Redevelopment Approved Amid Controversy
In a contrasting decision at the same meeting, councillors voted to approve the highly contentious redevelopment of Chorlton Cross shopping centre, despite facing 'thousands of objections'.
Developer PJ Livesey plans to demolish the existing centre and replace it with a taller building featuring 262 flats, commercial spaces, and a makers' yard. Resident objector Catherine Brownhill argued the scheme was of 'too high density' and risked repeating the mistakes of the unpopular Graham House development.
"Chorlton deserves a plan that respects its character, meets genuine housing need and gives us a true district centre that we can be proud of," she stated. In defence, agent Chris Argent for PJ Livesey said building at high density on the brownfield site was necessary to maximise its contribution and address local housing affordability issues.
Other Applications and Deferrals
The planning committee's Thursday session also saw other outcomes:
- The application from the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Whalley Range to retain a marquee for events was deferred to give the centre more time to address resident concerns over parking and noise.
- Several other applications were approved, including an extension in Abraham Moss, a new community centre on Seymour Road in Crumpsall, and significant new sports facilities at Wythenshawe Park featuring two artificial football pitches, a multi-use games area, a skate park, and a pavilion.
The deferral of the Great Ancoats Street tower means Manchester's skyline will have to wait a little longer to see if it will gain a new, dominant landmark, while Chorlton is now set for a major transformation.
