The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing that presented an application for the partial demolition of existing buildings (68-70 Oldham Street) (retention of facades to both 68 & 70 Oldham Street and internal floors of 68 Oldham Street), and erection of new 10 storey building (plus plant room) to incorporate retained elements, removal of roof and conversion of

existing warehouse building (61 Spear Street) with 3 storey rooftop extension to create aparthotel (sui generis) and ground floor commercial uses (use class E)((a), (b), (c), (e) and (g) only.

The Planning Officer recommended a further condition (as per the previous application) in relation to the provision of a disabled parking bay on Houldsworth Street. Taken with the previous scheme this would secure 2 disabled bays in this location. Also, there was a duplication of condition 44 in the printed report. The Planning Officer confirmed that the final condition and not the penultimate condition that would stand if the Committee were to approve the application.

No objector to the application attended or made any representations.

The applicant addressed the Committee. He stated the company were the owners of the site and had worked within the property market in London and Manchester for 20 years. They had been searching for a hotel opportunity in Manchester and the applicant felt that this development would boost the area. The site had presented some challenges which included retaining the heritage associated with existing buildings but this had been achieved using Manchester based consultants to do this. Together, they had achieved the goal of retaining all features. The scheme took account of carbon reduction ambitions. He also stated that they were keen to integrate with the area and had assessed noise from the adjoining public house The Castle which had live music, confirming that the scheme was no threat to this or other live music venues in the area. If the Committee were to approve the application today, then work would begin immediately with a view to opening in 2026.

Councillor Flanagan raised a question regarding the disabled parking bay and proximity to the hotel. He felt that the hotels entrance down a side street would become easily blocked and asked how a disabled client may exit a vehicle and take any luggage without causing the road to become blocked.

The Planning Officer stated that there would be a loading area on Warwick Street for this purpose.

Councillor Flanagan remained concerned as this is a very narrow street that may not solve this problem.

The Planning Officer confirmed that there is also to be an entrance on Oldham Street.

Councillor Flanagan felt that this was close to the corner and there needed to be a priority for quick and easy access for disabled users and asked if this could be delivered via a conversation between Planning Officers and the applicant.

The Director of Planning stated that they would discuss this and find a way to cover this matter. If members were minded to approve the application she asked that Committee agree that a suitably worded condition be delegated to her to be agreed in discussion with the Chair.

Councillor Lyons stated that he agreed with Councillor Flanagan, adding that short term lets in an aparthotel were necessary for this area. The height was suitable for this area of Oldham Street and Councillor Lyons moved the officer’s recommendation of Approve, subject to conditions and with the additional condition of resolving the question of the disabled parking and access.

Councillor S Ali seconded the proposal.

Decision

The Committee resolved to approve the application subject to conditions and for the reasons detailed in the reports submitted, and also with an added condition to be agreed by the Chair and Director of Planning regarding the disabled parking and access.