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 concerning the erection of a phased residential led mixed use development comprising three residential towers (Use Class C3 and C2) (NT02 34 storeys, NT03 part 8, part 20 and part 31 storeys and NT04 part 8, part 27 storeys) with associated flexible non-residential floorspace comprising commercial, business, service and community uses (Use Classes E, F and Sui Generis); erection of a 6 storey residential amenity space within a clubhouse building (part of NT02), with associated car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping, improvement works to Dantzic Street, drainage infrastructure and associated engineering works following demolition of existing buildings and structures.

The application proposed 1551 homes of which 78 would be affordable (5%). It included a clubhouse, commercial uses, highway improvements, public realm and landscaping.

Three letters had been received providing comments on construction impacts and

the impact of the height on nearby residential accommodation.

The Planning Officer noted that the Council had a land interest in the site and that needed to be disregarded by members of the Committee.

The applicant addressed the Committee, noting that this application was the first phase of a new sustainable community. The application proposed 1,551 new homes, with high-quality public realm. There was a commitment to affordable housing, with 5% secured and 20% the ultimate aim. Within the application, there would be 4,000sq. metres of non-residential uses. The application would create a 26% biodiversity net-gain, with energy efficiency measures in place in the design of buildings. The application would create over 1,800 temporary construction jobs.

A member raised a query regarding the proposals for Dulwich Street and if there would be actual play space for children or would the space be for parking for residents. A member also queried if the affordable housing as part of the application was 5% or if there would be 20%.

The Planning Officer noted that Dulwich Street would be restricted access and that was why there was reference in the report to it being gated. The application only proposed space for up to 100 cars, around 10% of the site which was not a large number. In terms of affordable housing, 5% was offered as part of the proposal but the objective was 20%, as had been secured in other proposals, leaving the Planning Officer with no reason to doubt it would not be secured for this application. A local lettings policy could also form part of the application.

A member noted the green and blue policy within the application that noted the target would be reached in 2025. They queried if that trajectory would continue post-2025. They also queried if the 10 disabled access points proposed satisfied the Planning Officer. They also questioned if, in relation to the new trees proposed, there would be any control over the wider area. A member then noted the 1,250 jobs created by the application and questioned if that would include apprenticeships for young Manchester residents.

The Planning Officer noted that this was the usual level of disabled access points. In terms of trees, there was lots of space to plant the trees and they were confident that the number proposed would be met. The Planning Officer was also confident that apprenticeships for local residents would form part of the jobs created by the application.

Councillor Shaukat Ali moved the officer’s recommendation of Minded to Approve.

Councillor Hughes seconded the proposal.

Decision

The Committee resolved to be Minded to Approve the Application for the reasons and subject to the conditions set out in the report and subject to the signing a legal agreement to secure 5% on site affordable, a late-stage review of the viability and to secure the retention of the project architect.