Two developments in Manchester's Northern Quarter could be given the go ahead this week. A 10-storey aparthotel in Oldham Street and a five-storey block of flats nearby in Spear Street are due to be decided by the planning committee on Thursday (January 19).
Plans for the 117-bedroom aparthotel involve partly demolishing the former United Footwear store - although the facade would be retained - and the buildings behind it along Warwick Street. A warehouse building in Spear Street would also be converted with a three-storey rooftop extension proposed.
The development, dubbed Larard's Still, would have a mix of two, three and four-person serviced apartments and feature a guest lounge with a kitchen, gym and offices on the ground floor and basement. Developer Jadebricks promised the plans would 'breathe new life' into the Northern Quarter site.
READ MORE: Andy Burnham wants every taxpayer in Greater Manchester to pay at least £10 more each year
However, one objector described the design as 'hideous'. Seven letters of objection have been received in relation to the application, raising concerns about the impact on historic buildings around it, including The Castle Hotel.
Manchester town hall planners have supported the scheme, which is predicted to attract 85,000 visitors a year, bringing with them £7.2m of spending. The 22-month construction programme is expected to create 155 jobs a year.
Further down Spear Street, a five-storey block of flats could be built on land where the former Crosby and Walker warehouse stood before it was demolished in 2009. The planning application for this site, which was originally submitted in 2017, was for an eight-storey building with 11 apartments.
However, the proposal was reduced in height to address the impact the block would have on light reaching neighbouring buildings. The latest design features six flats including a two-bedroom duplex with a private roof terrace.
Manchester council received 17 letters of objection to the proposal, but most of them related to the original eight-storey scheme. The three more recent objections relate to the design of the building and the impact that the construction of the new block would have on neighbouring residents.
Councillors on the planning committee will consider both applications at their next meeting on Thursday (January 19). Planning officers have supported both.
Read more of today's top stories here.
READ NEXT:
Care firm patient left without 'critical medication' for three weeks, damning report reveals
Andy Burnham quizzed over reopening Nightingale hospitals to help 'overwhelmed' NHS
"Surely it's cheaper on booking.com": the high costs of housing families in B&Bs
Council tax in Manchester to increase by at least £50 under new proposals
Restaurant on road once dubbed 'alcohol alley' has new booze licence granted
