Green light expected for Salford’s Hotel La Tour
COUNCILLORS in Salford are set to approve plans for a 223-bed, four star Hotel La Tour on the banks of the River Irwell.
This is despite some opposition from residents of nearby apartments and the neighbouring Lowry Hotel.
The hotel has submitted plans with landowner Bruntwood for the 14-storey block between the Lowry and Bruntwood’s Riverside office development.
According to an agenda document for the planning committee, 35 letters of objection were sent to the council. Most of these came from residents or landlords of the Bridge apartment complex, but also the Lowry Hotel and Isle of Man-based developed Dandara.
They are concerned about the “poor” design of the building, the loss of light and views, noise, traffic and parking.
But planning officers have recommended it is approved with a number of conditions. They said: “It is considered that the conditions proposed strike an appropriate balance between protecting the amenity of neighbouring residents and allowing development to proceed in this city centre location.
“It is considered that the development will contribute significantly to adding necessary vitality to the area and the riverside walkway and public realm in particular. It is considered that the development would not have an unacceptable impact on any interest of acknowledged importance.”
Hotel La Tour is a new operator lead by the former management team of Hayley Conference Centres which was sold to a private equity firm in May 2007 in a £358m deal. In March it opened a £24m, 174-bed venue in Birmingham.
Managing director Jane Schofield said: “As this matter is now in the hands of the planners, we await the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting with interest. We will continue to work with the local community to ensure any development is an asset to the local area.”
