Fire Station CPO under scrutiny as inquiry begins

THE inquiry into Manchester City Council’s planned compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the London Road Fire Station opened yesterday.

The council, frustrated by the lack of progress in the redevelopment of the site near Piccadilly Station, applied for a CPO last year. It would like to see Manchester developer Argent handle the site.

The CPO is being opposed by the fire station’s owner, Hale-based Britannia Hotels, which has owned the site since 1987.

Despite winning planning approvals for the building, either as a hotel or apartments over the years, Britannia has failed to develop the site. In September it won approval for a 227-bedroom four-star hotel.

Last month the city council’s chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein told TheBusinessdesk.com that the council offered a sale and leaseback deal to Britannia to kick-start work at the site, although this was rejected.

The inquiry, held by the Planning Inspectorate, is expected to last a week. It will make a recommendation to communities secretary Eric Pickles who should make a decision within several months.