Jump to: Executive summary | Development Update | Manchester City Council | Salford City Council | Wigan Council | Rochdale Borough Council | Oldham Council | Trafford Council | Expert Opinion | Conclusion
Introduction
Tracking development approvals and refusals in Manchester is of paramount importance amidst the city's rapid evolution as a key economic and cultural hub. As Manchester continues to assert its position as the powerhouse of the North, monitoring planning decisions becomes crucial in understanding the city's development trajectory, identifying emerging trends, and seizing strategic opportunities for growth.
This report aims to delve into recent developments in Manchester's urban landscape over the past two months, leveraging VU.CITY's 3D city model of Manchester to analyse planning approvals and refusals. By exploring key trends, assessing their impact on the future of the Manchester skyline, and identifying planning opportunities, this report seeks to provide stakeholders with actionable insights to navigate the city's dynamic urban environment effectively.
Maintaining accuracy and being up-to-date with the latest consents and planning developments is a core value for VU.CITY. Our platform prides itself on meticulously representing the built environment, ensuring that our 3D city models reflect the most current and precise depictions of buildings and approved developments. This commitment to precision is reflected in our Manchester model, which incorporates the latest planning approvals, enabling us to provide our users with the most reliable information on Manchester's built environment, allowing them to make informed decisions with confidence.
Executive Summary
- Manchester as a Northern Powerhouse: The city is recognised as a significant driver of economic growth across the North West region.
- Places for Everyone Plan: The recently adopted Places for Everyone Plan signifies a commitment to a strategic approach to development across Greater Manchester's nine local planning authorities.
- High-Density Residential Development: The approval of 2,246 residential units within a two-month period reflects a surge in high-density housing projects.
Development Update: Manchester City Council
Approved Developments Highlights:
Former Boddington Brewery Site Land Off Great Ducle Street, Manchester, M2 5PE
Erection of two buildings part 29, 25 and 20 storeys and 12 storeys to create a mixed-use development comprising 505 residential apartments (Use Class C3a) with commercial uses (Use Class E) provided at the ground floor level, together with public realm including courtyard pocket, cycle parking, accessible parking spaces, access arrangements, and other associated works.
List of major development schemes approved over March and April 2024 in Manchester City:
| Manchester City Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Approval |
| 138273/FO/2023 | Demolition of the existing buildings and structures and the erection of a 16-storey office building (Use Class E(g)), with flexible ground floor uses (Use Class E), rooftop amenity space and works to facilitate public realm improvements. | 7th March 2024 |
| 131045/FO/2021 | Erection of a three storey building to for 24 apartments (Use Class C3a) together with erection of 50, two storey dwelling houses (Use Class C3a) with associated external works, car parking, landscaping and other associated works. | 7th March 2024 |
| 138801/VO/2023 | CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT - Change of use of former children's home to create 24 no. self-contained residential units for short stay homelessness accommodation (Sui Generis), together with ancillary office and administrative space, associated elevational alterations and roof works. |
14th March 2024
|
| 138482/FO/2023 | Erection of a two storey block of 24 apartments (Supported Housing ) with ancillary communal space, associated vehicular access, car parking, landscaping and boundary treatment. |
13th March 2024
|
| 137941/FO/2023 | Erection of two buildings part 29, 25 and 20 storeys and 12 storeys to create a mixed-use development comprising 505 residential apartments (Use Class C3a) with commercial uses (Use Class E) provided at the ground floor level, together with public realm including courtyard pocket, cycle parking, accessible parking spaces, access arrangements, and other associated works. |
12th March 2024
|
| 137938/FO/2023 | Erection of a part single/part 3 storey building to form two commercial units (Use Class E) on the ground floor with 9 no. apartments on upper floors together with car parking and boundary treatments. |
13th March 2024
|
| 138185/FO/2023 | Erection of a three storey building to form 14 self-contained flats (13x 1 bed, 1 x 2 bed) with associated landscaping, parking and cycle storage. |
25th March 2024
|
| 135857/FO/2022 | Erection of 16 x 3 storey townhouses (Class C3) with associated parking, landscaping and boundary treatment and new vehicular access from Cotter Street and associated works. |
27th March 2024
|
| 134736/FO/2022 | Change of use of mezzanine first, second and third floors from offices to hotel (Use Class C1) with associated internal alterations to front entrance, and new lift shaft to rear. |
28th March 2024
|
| 138586/FO/2023 | Erection of a 9-storey extension comprising of 216 bedrooms (net increase of 214 bedrooms) to the existing hotel. | 26th April |
| 138294/FO/2023 | Erection of a part six storey, part eight storey building for use as purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) (Sui Generis) comprising 263 bed spaces, with associated amenity space, cycle parking, external landscaping, access and other associated works. | 26th April |
| 135802/FO/2022 | Erection of 30 x 2 storey dwelling houses (Class C3) together with associated parking, landscaping and boundary treatment. | 24th April |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Development Update: Salford City Council
Approved Developments Highlights:
Land at Robert Hall Street and West Park Street, Ordsall, M5 3HF
Proposed development of 274 dwellings (comprising 137 houses and 137 apartments) with associated substations, parking, drainage, landscaping and highways works.
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List of major development schemes approved over March and April 2024 in Salford:
| Salford City Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Approval |
| 22/81019/FUL | Demolition of detached dwelling and redevelopment with a two storey block comprising 20 no. affordable residential units consisting of 10x1B2P and 10x2B3P apartments with associated car parking and landscaping. | 6th March 2024 |
| PA/2023/0425 | Proposed development of 274 dwellings (comprising 137 houses and 137 apartments) with associated substations, parking, drainage, landscaping and highways works. | 7th March 2024 |
| 23/81487/FUL | Demolition of all existing on-site buildings and structures and the development of a Class C3 residential building comprising 250 dwellings, including Class E ground floor unit, together with associated landscaping, highways and other works. |
21st March 2024
|
| 22/80710/FUL | Erection of a part two, part three storey apartment block containing 15x 1 bed apartments and 3x 2 bed apartments with associated landscaping and car parking on existing car park of the White Lion Public House. |
11th March 2024
|
| 23/82285/FUL | The erection of 71 dwellings, internal access roads, landscaping and public open space, together with other associated works and infrastructure, including sub-station and pumping station. | 18th April 2024 |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Development Update: Wigan Council
List of major development schemes approved over March and April 2024 in Wigan:
| Wigan Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Approval |
| A/23/96501/MAJLA | Residential development of 12 apartments with associated parking and landscaping following demolition of existing public house. | 25th April 2024 |
| A/23/96416/MAJOR | Residential development of 66 dwellings with associated amenity space, parking, landscaping, access and associated works. | 22nd April 2024 |
| A/23/95353/CU | Change of use of offices (Class E) to a 17 bedroom boutique hotel (Class C1) including gym facilities, installation of 2 roof lights to rear and external alterations. | 22nd April 2024 |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Development Update: Rochdale Borough Council
List of major development schemes approved over March and April 2024 in Rochdale:
| Rochdale Borough Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Approval |
| 23/01382/FUL | Residential development for a specialist supported living complex (Use Class C3(b)) comprising 12 no. flats with ancillary worker facilities and outdoor amenity areas. | 8th March 2024 |
| 23/01134/FUL | Change of use from industrial unit (Class B2) to distillery with gin experience events space and bar (Sui Generis) including replacement of existing windows and alterations to existing entrance on south elevation and provision of new toilets. | 6th March 2024 |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Development Update: Oldham Council
List of major development schemes approved over March and April 2024 in Oldham:
| Oldham Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Approval |
| FUL/350118/22 | Residential development of 4 sites in Derker for 132 residential units including associated gardens, landscape and infrastructure. Abbotsford Road (47 units), Cromford Street (28 units), Evelyn Street (29 units) and London Road (28 units). | 19th April 2024 |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Development Update: Trafford Council
Approved Developments Highlights:
Waterways Avenue Old Trafford, Trafford, M15 4QZ
Erection of two residential blocks (12 and 14 storeys) providing 159 residential apartments, a mix of one, two and three bedrooms, with parking, landscaping and associated works.
List of major development schemes approved over March and April 2024 in Trafford:
| Trafford Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Approval |
| 112131/FUL/23 | Erection of two residential blocks (12 and 14 storeys) providing 159 residential apartments, a mix of one, two and three bedrooms, with parking, landscaping and associated works. | 29th March 2024 |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Refused Developments:
There were no major scheme development refusals over March and April, however there were two withdrawals as listed below by borough:
| Salford City Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Withdrawal |
| PA/2023/0332 | Addition of 4 additional storeys, including two office floors, two residential floors (with 10 apartments in total), and a green roof garden above, to the original two-storey building structure. | 22nd April 2024 |
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
| Rochdale Borough Council | ||
| Application Ref | Description | Date of Withdrawal |
| 23/00778/FUL | Residential development of 30 new dwellings (8 dwellings and 3no' blocks comprising 22 apartments) with associated landscaping, car parking, new access road and works to wider park area. |
12th March 2024
|
Search the Application Ref in the Planning Portal for more information here.
Expert Opinion
"March and April saw an impressive approval of 2,246 residential units in Greater Manchester, a clear testament to the region's proactive stance on addressing housing demands.
Notably, the Former Boddington Brewery Site has resurfaced as a key development, set to accommodate 505 residential units across two towering buildings of up to 29 storeys, meticulously designed by Assael. This project epitomises Manchester's strategic urban planning, seamlessly blending residential and commercial spaces while emphasising sustainability and connectivity.
Concurrently, the city's architectural ambitions soar with Simpson Haugh's proposal for a groundbreaking 76-storey tower, poised to surpass the iconic Beetham Tower and reaffirm Manchester's global prominence.
These developments underscore Manchester's dynamic urban evolution and resonate with the forward-thinking ethos of the recently adopted Places for Everyone Plan. As the city navigates this transformative phase, its steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive communities, driving innovation, and maintaining architectural excellence remains unwavering—ensuring a future that honors both its heritage and its aspirations for progress."
Anna Mackay - Account Manager, VU.CITY
Conclusion
- Manchester's position as a Northern powerhouse is attracting significant development, with a focus on high-density residential projects. The Places for Everyone Plan offers a framework to ensure these developments contribute to a sustainable and liveable future for Manchester. As the city's skyline continues to evolve, careful planning will be crucial to balance economic growth with the needs of its residents.
- Planning Opportunities: The Places for Everyone Plan presents an opportunity for strategic and coordinated development across Greater Manchester. This plan can ensure that high-density living goes hand-in-hand with essential infrastructure, green spaces, and community amenities. Additionally, the surge in residential development necessitates careful consideration of transport networks, social infrastructure, and overall liveability of the city.
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