The report of the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is attached.

The application was for the erection of a 7 storey building to form 96 residential apartments (Use Class C3a). This would consist of 7 three bedroom townhouses, 32 one bedroom apartments and 57 two bedroom apartments. There would also be associated car parking, amenity space, boundary treatment, landscaping and other associated works following demolition of existing buildings. The site currently comprised a three storey vacant former factory building with associated hardstanding, vegetation and trees and boundary treatment. The site was within walking distance of the shops and other services and amenities of the Longsight District Centre.

At the meeting it was reported that an additional response to the consultation had been received from the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Department. That explained that due to the site’s poor condition there had been a long-held aspiration to see improvements that would benefit the area, therefore the proposed development would represent significant progress in the regeneration of Ardwick.

The late representations made the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing also proposed a further condition on the granting of the application that would prevent the apartments being used as serviced apartments/apart hotels or similar uses. They also proposed the revision of the wording of conditions 3, 4, 5 and 7 from that set out in the report.

A representative of the applicant addressed the Committee. He explained that the site is in a prominent location adjacent to a trunk road into the city and currently in a poor state of repair. The majority of the residential unit created would be suitable for families. The design of the new building was to a high standard and it would significantly enhance the streetscape and neighbourhood and helping to make it an attractive place to live. The proposals included 54 car parking spaces and some chagrining points for electric vehicles. There would also be 100% cycle spaces for residents and further cycle stands for visitors. He also spoke of the viability assessment that had been undertaken and the scheme’s financial contribution to affordable housing. He welcomed the support of a local ward councillor for this intended regeneration of the vacant site.

In welcoming the development, the Committee questioned the details of the proposals for the separation and handling of different forms of recyclable waste, including food waste. It was agreed that proposed condition 17, which related to the waste management strategy for the development, should be revised so as to make clear how the different forms of waste would be handled appropriately.

Decision

Minded to approve subject to: the conditions and reasons proposed in the report; the revised conditions 3,4,5 and 7 as set out in the Late Representations made by the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing; the further condition also proposed in those Late Representations; the revision of condition 17 in relation to the waste management on the site; and the signing of a section 106 agreement for a commuted sum for off-site affordable housing and recreational and amenity improvements at Coverdale and Newbank Community Centre.