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

The application relates to the erection of an 8 storey building to form Mobility Hub including ground floor commercial unit (Use Class E(b)) (221 sqm), delivery hub, 150 cycle spaces and 408 car parking spaces with associated landscaping, access and other associated works following demolition of existing structures. The Mobility Hub would provide a key piece of infrastructure to support the new homes and population growth in this new neighbourhood. Located close to existing public transport, walking and cycle routes, the proposal would offer alternatives to owning a car with car club and car share facilities on offer together with access to 150 cycle spaces and e-bikes. The car parking provision would avoid the need for individual developments in the area have to accommodate car parking. In order to support shift away from petrol diesel cars, 25% electric car charging would be available on first use with the intention to increase this to 100%. A new delivery hub would consolidate delivery arrangement in the area. The effect of this would minimise car journeys through the Ancoats neighbourhood and make the surrounding streets pedestrian and cyclist friendly with active frontages.

The Planning Officer addressed the Committee on the application and advised that the application is part of a package of applications being considered at the meeting (130354/FO/2021, 130356/FO/2021, 130357/LO/2021 and 130390/FO/2021) and should be considered together as part of a Neighbourhood Development Framework. In considering each proposal the Committee was reminded that each application must be considered and voted on individually. The Committee was provided with an update from the late representations report including an amendment to Condition 21 of the report, an amendment relating to deliveries between 7.30am to 7.00am and an additional condition relating to the management strategy for resident and commuter parking arrangements.

An objector spoke against the application. It was stated thar the proposal is a large car park and there are concerns on the proximity of the development to Ancoats Green. It was not considered the Mobility Hub is helpful for mobility and did not link up to any existing sustainable transport schemes. Car parking is already available at buildings across the Ancoats area. Air pollution would increase and the scheme did not help to reduce it. Section 106 payments needed to be collected from Manchester Life for the introduction of road safety schemes and consultation is required with residents on parking schemes.

The applicant’s agent addressed the Committee on the application.

The Planning Officer reported that the report provides information and addresses the points raised. The proposal is a new concept and will provide parking for the community and is not just a car park. A transport plan is included and future connection is possible with mobility schemes. There would be a £200,000 landscaping strategy for the area and parking enforcement would be part of this.

The Chair invited the Committee to ask questions and comment on the application.

Members referred to the 408 parking spaces and how they were calculated and were they for residents. Reference was also made on changes to be introduced to the way residents live within the city centre and the move away from car use and the consideration of the mobility hub and the wider Ancoats area. Officers were asked if the hub could be developed for other uses if required.

It was reported that the spaces had been proposed based on expected need and it was expected that residents living in the city centre would be less likely to own a car. It was anticipated that commuter requirements for parking would reduce over time and this would be managed and will allow further resident parking. The scheme will also have little impact on air quality issues. It was expected that there is need for a parking hub but could be repurposed if required.

Councillor Andrews moved the recommendation to approve the application subject the conditions in the report submitted, the additional condition and the amended Condition 21 as referred to in the late representation report and the amendment to deliveries to allow deliveries between 7.30am to 7.00am. Councillor Riasat seconded the proposal.

Decision

The Committee agreed the application as detailed in the report submitted and subject to the conditions outlined and subject to the additional condition regarding car park management, the amendment to Condition 21 as referred to in the late representation report and the amendment to deliveries to allow deliveries between 7.30am to 7.00am .

(Councillor Hutchinson took no part in the consideration of vote on the application.)