Plans to build 99 flats in the Northern Quarter have been approved by Manchester City Council despite concerns over a lack of affordable housing and the impact on parking in the area.
The proposal to build a nine-story block of flats in Cross Keys was approved unanimously by members of the council despite replacing a 39-space car park.
Objectors to the apartment building said: “Car parking is incredibly difficult for residents and those working in the area due to the locality to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, NOMA, and the City Centre.
They added: “Cars cannot be parked on surrounding streets between 8am-8pm, and when left on streets overnight, have been subject to car vandalism and theft.”
Other objections also raised concerns the flats could cause a lack of privacy, a loss of natural light, noise issues and block views.
Property developers Enabl said however: “The site currently detracts from the neighbourhood as a surface level car park.
“The outlook for residents new to the neighbourhood is poor and feelings of safety and security are detracted.”
The site’s developers also say the project will deliver high quality homes to the rental sector and nurture the community over the long term.
During the meeting however, councillors raised concerns over the affordability of the apartments.
Projects like this often require 20% of the housing to be rented at an affordable price however councillors are concerned that developers are using loopholes in the system to avoid this.
At the meeting officers assured the planning committee developers are subject to “forensic” assessments by independent bodies to ensure the prevention of this.
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