Peel’s Castlefield tweaks fail to win over residents

AMENDED designs for Peel Holdings’ controversial Castlefield apartment block will go before planners this week.

The Manchester-based developer has removed part of the top floor of the proposed six-storey block on the site of the derelict Jackson’s Wharf pub, taking the number of flats from 88 to 85.

But the change has failed to placate nearby residents who have been opposed to several different versions of the scheme.

According to a council report ahead of a planning meeting on June 2 the Castlefield Forum community group is still opposed, and residents have complained the block is out of keeping with the Castlefield conservation area.

One respondent said the proposed block was similar to One Piccadilly, the office block in Piccadilly Gardens, while another complained the granting consent would constitute a breach of human rights.

Nonetheless, planning officers have recommended an approval. In the report they admit the scheme is modern but say it will, “respect the characteristics of Castlefield conservation area and would sit comfortably alongside and within the historic buildings and landscape.”

“It is acknowledged that any development on this site would have an impact on existing residents and businesses. However, it is considered that the impacts on the amenities of occupiers of neighbouring properties would be acceptable and that the applicant has carried out measures in amending the scheme to reduce further any impacts.”

A different scheme for 118 apartments was thrown out by a Government inspector in early 2009 following an appeal.