Plans for Greater Manchester's tallest tower have been dealt a major blow after planning permission was revoked due to a 'conflict of interest' at the council.
Approval revoked
Henley Investment Management had received planning permission in November to demolish part of the Regent Retail Park to build 3,300 new homes across ten towers, including one with 78 stories – making it the region's tallest building. The scheme was approved despite opposition from more than 460 residents, local MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, and several current and former councillors.
The approval was thrown out after a complaint from the Save Regent Retail Park Campaign group was upheld by the council's legal department. The complaint found a 'procedural conflict of interest' with the chair of the planning committee, Coun Philip Cusack, who was a director of Salford Council's social housing firm, Derive, at the time.
Conflict details
Henley's proposal included a pledge to build 660 social rent homes, which would need to be taken over by a social housing firm like Derive in future. The campaign group argued there was 'a potential interest for Derive receiving the development's proposed social housing'.
Coun Cusack said he was unaware of any conflict at the time, stating: “At the time of the application being heard, I understood that there was no contractual relationship between Derive and the developer. In addition, I was informed by council officers that the social or affordable housing element of the scheme would not be dealt with through the planning application but would be dealt with separately through the lease. For both of those reasons, I believed that I had no interest to declare.”
Next steps
The planning application remains on Salford's planning portal, but the decision notice has been removed. A council spokesperson confirmed the application is still under consideration and has not been 'withdrawn', but it will need to be reconsidered by the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel at a date to be determined.
A council spokesperson said: “It is necessary for a procedural matter to be addressed. The previous resolution to grant permission for development at Regent Retail Park was subject to conditions and completion of a legal agreement. It is not necessary for the application to be withdrawn; it will be reconsidered by the Planning Panel.”
Developer and residents respond
A Henley spokesperson said: “We are pressing ahead with our development to build over 3,000 new homes, around a quarter of which will be social rented accommodation, and supporting public amenities for the local community. We are committed to working with the council to advance our plans through the appropriate procedures as we are advised. We are aware of the council’s internal procedural issue which is frustrating, but we have a close ongoing dialogue and they are keeping us updated.”
Local residents have pledged to continue fighting the proposal. Miranda Clarke, involved in the campaign, said: “The reversal of the decision shows the strength of our community when we stand together. We won’t accept development that takes from our area, adds no value, or ignores real concerns. As Henley returns, we’ll unite again to stand up for our community.”
