Manchester tower returns to planners

Dual applications to build a 22-storey tower comprising hundreds of apartments alongside commercial and restaurant space look set to be given the green light.ASE II Manchester is behind the applications, which differ hugely in size.The first is for a 361-unit tower on High Street, which would include 122 one-bed two person, 119 two-bed three person, 94 two-bed four person, 21 three-bed five person and five three-bed six person flats. On the ground floor would be commercial floorspace to be used as either a shop, restaurant or drinking establishment.New public realm is also proposed.The second application is to erect one and two-storey market stalls for flexible commercial uses nearby on land bound by the Northern Quarter multi-storey carpark, Church Street and Red Lion Street. This would be for a temporary period of five years.The two are “inextricably linked and need to be considered together”.Manchester City Council’s planning committee was advised to back the application at its meeting on 27 June but the decision was deferred to allow for a site visit to take place.At the following month’s meeting on 25 July, the director of planning, building control and licensing reported that a request had been submitted by the applicant for another deferral to allow it to further review the issues raised, in particular affordable housing.It is considered that the scheme in its current form would yield a host of benefits, including attracting new visitors, promoting regeneration in other areas and providing job opportunities.Approval has been recommended.