Controversial City Centre Redevelopment Plans - Planning Committee to visit the area

9.31.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 19th Jan 2007

Campaigners objecting to massive redevelopment plans for a run-down car park at the junction of Manchester's Princess and Whitworth Streets received a boost this week, after Councillors on the Planning Committee agreed to a deferral requested by Marc Ramsbottom, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Manchester City Centre.

The Planning Committee agreed to defer consideration of the proposals so that Councillors could make a "site visit" in February to see the area for themselves before making a decision. The plans are being recommended for approval by City Council Planners, despite objections from 240 residents and a 413-signature petition against the plans.

The controversial application is for the erection of 3 buildings of 7, 13 and 16 storeys for residential, office, hotel, gallery and commercial uses.

Liberal Democrat City Centre Councillors Marc Ramsbottom and Elaine Boyes have both written letters objecting to the plans, citing the inappropriate scale and massing of the proposed buildings, as well as concerns about traffic and loss of light to nearby residential buildings.

Councillors on the Planning Committee will visit the site on the morning of Thursday 15th February, before making their final decision at a Town Hall public committee meeting that same afternoon.

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