Approval for Deansgate tower

Ask Real Estate’s plans to build a 22-storey aparthotel on Deansgate have moved forward.The company submitted the proposals earlier this year for a site comprising a commercial unit and servicing yard, as well as two enclosed arches underneath the grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct.Earmarked are 279 aparthotel beds, 28 cycle spaces and a coffee shop.A pair of commercial units would also extend into the aforementioned arches.Four objections were received following a consultation of 1,700 residents, which focused largely on the height of the building and potential loss of sight lines from the Castlefield conservation area.However, it was noted that the proposed tower is “smaller than similar buildings approved in the local area and is considered to fit comfortably within the context of the area, which includes the Beetham Tower”.Roney has now backed the application after finding there were “no planning grounds on which to refuse”.Manchester City Council’s full planning committee is set to make a full virtual return at the end of July.