Plans to build a 17-storey tower metres away from a historic Manchester pub are being recommended for approval despite fears the boozer may not survive the development process.
An apartment block with 153 flats is planned for a plot next to the Grade II listed Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road. The proposal is set to be reviewed at Manchester council's planning meeting on November 19, alongside plans for two new student accommodation developments in the city.
Previous rejection and concerns from the pub
The plan on Rochdale Road was previously voted down by members of the planning committee on October 22. At the hearing, a representative from the Marble Arch said: “During construction, conditions inside and outside the pub are likely to be intolerable for customers.
“Marble Beers have genuine fear that their business will not survive the construction programme.”
For developers McGoff Group, the application highlighted the benefits of new homes in the city centre, saying the application would ‘bring together the essential ingredients of successful regeneration.’
Council report on the pub's setting
A council report published ahead of next week's meeting said of the Marble Arch: "The fabric of the pub would not be affected but a medium level of harm would be caused to its setting."
The report stated: "The NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) directs that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development and that development within settlements should be approved unless the benefits of doing so would be substantially outweighed by any adverse effects.
"On this basis, officers could not provide a policy-based reason to refuse the application."
Student accommodation plans also recommended
In another development set to be reviewed by councillors, RG Real Estate wants to demolish the derelict Charles Street Car Park, just off Sackville Street and Princess Street, and replace it with a 1,041 bed student accommodation site featuring a 38 storey tower block. The report states that 163 objections have been received. Among the complaints were that properties in nearby Granby House would 'experience reduced daylight'.
In addition, IQ Student Accommodation has applied to partially demolish its Western Halls and Pendulum Hotel in order to create a 2,511 bed student accommodation site. One building would be 50 storeys high, with another 17 storeys with an 8-storey link. The hotel would be repurposed to be used for student accommodation.
Among those objecting to this development is the Friends of Sackville Gardens. The report states: "They believe the development is not just uncharacteristic of the surrounding landscape context but would be overwhelming."
Both student accommodation developments have been recommended for approval by Manchester council planning officers.
