Planning committee defers decision on £100m student accommodation extension
Plans for an 876-bed accommodation scheme in Manchester’s Ardwick Ward were deferred at this afternoon’s (October 24) city council planning committee.
Planning officers recommended approval for the scheme to redevelop six existing student accommodation buildings in a development valued at £100m.
But several councillors requested a site visit to view the impact on the neighbourhood, particularly the nearby listed Victoria Baths building.
The proposal, by Empiric Student Property, supported by agent Melissa Lee, of Turley, involves the phased demolition and extension of the existing buildings to a maximum height of 12 storeys to form purpose-built student accommodation at the Victoria Point site on Hathersage Road.
In addition to accommodation, the scheme would create ground floor commercial/community space. Affordable accommodation is also included.
Twenty representations were lodged with the council, 18 of which objected to the proposed development.
The key issues relate to the impact of the proposal on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, the need for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and the heritage impacts of the proposals on the adjacent Grade II-listed Victoria Baths.
There have been amendments to the proposals since they were originally submitted, and these relate to elevation alterations to the western side of the proposed buildings to reduce the number of window openings facing towards the adjacent Octagon House site.
Speaking against the proposal, Ardwick councillor Mohamed Muse called for a change to the massing, saying: “Bring the height of the back building down to six storeys.
“We’re not asking to halt the development, but rather a reasonable adjustment.”
Cllr Jill Lovecey proposed the site visit, which was supported by Cllrs Angela Gartside and Richard Kilpatrick.
The request was unanimously backed by the committee
