A final decision on two long-running and fiercely debated planning applications in Manchester is set to be made next week, as councillors prepare for a third and likely conclusive vote.
The 'Cereal Box' Towers Set for Great Ancoats Street
The fate of a major development proposing 752 new homes in skyscrapers on the site of the former Stockton's furniture store on Great Ancoats Street will be decided on Thursday, January 15. This follows two previous deferrals by the planning committee in November and December last year.
In November, local councillors heavily criticised the design, with Piccadilly councillor Sam Wheeler branding it "an unimaginative cereal box". Councillor Wheeler also argued the proposed height breached the local strategic regeneration framework, stating, "This breaks the framework... by four storeys." He expressed concern that approving it would set a precedent for ignoring planning guidelines and local opinion.
A second delay in December was triggered by a last-minute report from residents of the neighbouring Oxygen tower, which focused on potential loss of light. Despite this, city planners have reviewed the report and maintained their original recommendation to approve the development.
Suburban Battle Over Whalley Range Marquee
In a separate but equally contentious case, the planning committee will also rule on an application from the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Whalley Range. The centre seeks permission to retain a temporary marquee, first erected twelve years ago, for a further three years.
The application has sparked a significant local dispute, generating thousands of letters both supporting and objecting to the plans. While the marquee is used for religious services and weddings, neighbours have consistently complained about noise from loud music, chanting, and revving car engines, as well as inconsiderate parking during late-night events.
The committee initially deferred the decision in November for a site visit, then gave the mosque a month in December to demonstrate improved management of events. However, a council report notes ongoing issues, including fireworks, external lighting left on after 11pm on Boxing Day, and further disturbances on December 28 and January 1.
Planners' Recommendations and Final Showdown
In light of these continued complaints, planning officers have stuck to their guns and are recommending refusal of the marquee's planning permission. If councillors follow this advice, it would effectively mean the marquee must be shut down.
Both applications will be debated and voted on by the planning committee at 2pm on Thursday, January 15. The session will be available for the public to watch online, marking the culmination of months of discussion and delay for these two major Manchester planning sagas.
