Decision expected on hotel block
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new apart-hotel on the edge of the Northern Quarter are due to be recommended for approval today – despite opposition from local councillors.
The proposed building would be 13 storeys at its tallest point on Shudehill, a height that would ‘overwhelm’ the local area, according to city centre politicians. They also believe it will put pressure on neighbouring independent businesses to sell up to developers.
But both the hotel’s architects and planning officers insist it is in keeping with the city’s growing skyline.
The plans would see a new block containing 122 ‘self-contained lofts’ – plus a hotel at ground floor – stretch along Back Turner Street from Shudehill to High Street, replacing a derelict 1920s warehouse. On Shudehill it would stand at 13 storeys, sloping down to eight storeys in the middle and four at the Northern Quarter end.
Concerns about its impact on the neighbourhood led the council’s planning committee to defer a decision last month, while the local councillors and the town hall’s city centre spokesman, Pat Karney, are all opposed.
Coun Karney said: “Its scale and size will dominate and overwhelm the Shudehill area.” Despite those concerns, planning officers are still recommending the block be approved today.
Their report says the existing derelict site is having a ‘negative impact’ on a prominent route into the Northern Quarter, arguing its replacement would be a ‘well-designed, high quality new building, which would respond to the existing and historic context.’ It would not have a negative impact on nearby listed buildings, they believe, and ‘would bring a long-vacant gap site back into use.’
5-Plus point out it has already reduced the building’s height by one story after the initial plans were met with concern earlier this year.
Phil Doyle, director at 5-Plus, said:“The city centre is expanding northwards with significant development that will see several tall new buildings, up to 30 storeys, changing the city skyline and it was important to acknowledge that here.”