City centre apartment buildings scheme set for approval

Two residential apartment buildings in Manchester city centre look set to be approved when planners meet next month.The Manchester City Council development is for the erection of two residential apartment buildings on land to the west of Rodney Street.One of eight storeys (68 apartments) and one of five storeys (50 apartments), to form a total of 118 apartments, are planned.Also proposed is the erection of ten, three-storey townhouses, together with car and cycle parking provision, and hard and soft landscaping including public realm, access, substation and other associated works.The proposal is the first project the city council’s ‘This City’ housing company which seeks to develop high quality, low carbon housing for all Mancunians.It is part of boosting the city’s housing supply which includes providing affordable housing.Seven objections, one support and two general comments, have been received by the city council.Objections include concerns the plans would “take up valuable green space around Ancoats which there is very little of” and that the proposal would “block light”.However a letter of support is in favour of regenerating the area and the development looks “tasteful and fitting”.An officer’s report prepared ahead of a meeting of Manchester City Council’s planning and highways committee on 1 September has made a recommendation to approve the application.”This proposal would contribute positive to the supply of new homes in the area by providing 128 one and bedroom apartments along with three and four bedroom townhouses,” the report added. 30 per cent of the new homes would be available for Manchester Living Rent.”