I can announce that on 27th March 2007, the council officially approved the latest plans for the development of the Petros car park.
On 15th February the planning committee were 'minded to approve' subject to further negotiaitons. West did modify the plans to reduce the impact on the facade that borders Regency House by a token 3 metres (yes that is not a typo, three metres) on the corner joining Whitworth Street, resulting in the height of the tallest part of the building increasing.
Work has begun today clearing trees, and the car park will close for ever at the end of the week.
Regards,
Chris G
(Update 31st March: trees are down, but closing the car park has been delayed)
Negotiations Update.
In February the committee agreed the head of planning would conduct further negotiations with West about the plans for the Petros site.
His report to the March planning committee meeting stated:
2.3 The design of the scheme is at an advanced stage and there is a considerable amount of information available on design, construction, structure, cost and value and as such they have been able to examine all potential options thoroughly. This process has made it clear that it would not be possible to remove a complete storey from the residential block and leave the scheme economically and commercially viable. It should be noted that the scale and height of the scheme was reduced considerably as a result of the consultation process with the community and English Heritage.
2.4 The applicant does, however, believe that it is possible to re-engineer and re-profile the residential block on the Venice Street frontage. This would result in a loss of floorspace in excess of 100 m sq and would require a re-design of internal layouts. The impact of this would be a 3m reduction in the height of the building on Venice Street at its junction with Whitworth Street, reducing to 1.5m at the junction of Venice Street and Brazil Street. The effect of this on Venice Street and therefore the residents of Regency House would be beneficial as it would further improve views of the sky and improve access to daylight and sunlight.
3.1 The Head of Planning believes that the scheme has been negotiated in accordance with the Committee decision and is satisfied that these changes will result in improvements for residents in Regency House. Subject to receiving a full set of amended drawings he therefore intends to consult the Chair with a view to exercising his delegated authority to approve the applications. Those who commented on the applications will be notified of the decision accordingly.
So the negotiations have chopped 3m off the height at the most affected corner.
Chris G.
His report to the March planning committee meeting stated:
2.3 The design of the scheme is at an advanced stage and there is a considerable amount of information available on design, construction, structure, cost and value and as such they have been able to examine all potential options thoroughly. This process has made it clear that it would not be possible to remove a complete storey from the residential block and leave the scheme economically and commercially viable. It should be noted that the scale and height of the scheme was reduced considerably as a result of the consultation process with the community and English Heritage.
2.4 The applicant does, however, believe that it is possible to re-engineer and re-profile the residential block on the Venice Street frontage. This would result in a loss of floorspace in excess of 100 m sq and would require a re-design of internal layouts. The impact of this would be a 3m reduction in the height of the building on Venice Street at its junction with Whitworth Street, reducing to 1.5m at the junction of Venice Street and Brazil Street. The effect of this on Venice Street and therefore the residents of Regency House would be beneficial as it would further improve views of the sky and improve access to daylight and sunlight.
3.1 The Head of Planning believes that the scheme has been negotiated in accordance with the Committee decision and is satisfied that these changes will result in improvements for residents in Regency House. Subject to receiving a full set of amended drawings he therefore intends to consult the Chair with a view to exercising his delegated authority to approve the applications. Those who commented on the applications will be notified of the decision accordingly.
So the negotiations have chopped 3m off the height at the most affected corner.
Chris G.
Planning Committee Minutes
I have just received the formal minutes from the planning committee meeting on 15th February 2007.
With regard to the Petros site, they state:
More news will be posted as we have it....
Chris G
With regard to the Petros site, they state:
Decision
To be minded to approve applications 081209 and 081371 for Conservation Area Consent subject to further negotiations between the Head of Planning and the applicant to look at the impact of the height of the Venice Street elevation.
(Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of the Committee authorised to make a final decision on the applications).
More news will be posted as we have it....
Chris G
Statement from Labour's Candidate for City Centre Council
From: Kathy Crotty
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:58 PM
Subject: statement from Kathy Crotty
Well done to all the Save Our Village campaigners for achieving the best possible outcome - the developers now have to sit down with the planning committee chair to take heed of the concerns raised by residents about the height of the proposed development. I have been working with Labour Councillors Paul Fairweather (Council Lead on Gay issues), Mary Murphy (Council Lead on Lesbian issues), & Pat Karney (City Centre Spokesperson) to ensure that the residents veiws were represented. We vigorously opposed this development arguing amongst many things that it is inappropriate for this area. I feel this is was only outcome possible given the support for the development from the business community and certain community organisations. The developer has not got what was wanted, the campaigners have achieved a small victory. We will continue to lobby the council and remind them of the residents objections. The campaign has succeeded in opening a debate within the Labour Party about the planning process which has not been reformed since the last Tory government!
Kathy Crotty
City Centre Residents Labour Party
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:58 PM
Subject: statement from Kathy Crotty
Well done to all the Save Our Village campaigners for achieving the best possible outcome - the developers now have to sit down with the planning committee chair to take heed of the concerns raised by residents about the height of the proposed development. I have been working with Labour Councillors Paul Fairweather (Council Lead on Gay issues), Mary Murphy (Council Lead on Lesbian issues), & Pat Karney (City Centre Spokesperson) to ensure that the residents veiws were represented. We vigorously opposed this development arguing amongst many things that it is inappropriate for this area. I feel this is was only outcome possible given the support for the development from the business community and certain community organisations. The developer has not got what was wanted, the campaigners have achieved a small victory. We will continue to lobby the council and remind them of the residents objections. The campaign has succeeded in opening a debate within the Labour Party about the planning process which has not been reformed since the last Tory government!
Kathy Crotty
City Centre Residents Labour Party
Statement from City Centre Councillor
From: Councillor Marc Ramsbottom
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 9:15 PM
Subject: Re: Planning Decision
STATEMENT
I am very disappointed that the Planning and Highways Committee approved this application. At the Committee, I spoke out in support of residents objection, stating that the plans represented overdevelopment of the site and that the design of the scheme was out of keeping with the Conservation Area and especially out of character with the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that surround the site.
It seems that commercial and financial interests out weigh the concerns of the local community, and the City Council has failed yet again to listen to the needs and interest of people.
At the Committee meeting opposition members of the Committee were refused permission to speak out against the application, and as a result the decision to approve it was railroaded by Labour members who dominate the Committee. I have sent a formal complaint to the City Solicitor about this, and also a letter of complaint to Manchester Pride who had no right to speak in support of the application without the backing of the local lesbian and gay community.
Marc
Cllr Marc Ramsbottom
Liberal Democrat Councillor - City Centre Ward
Tel: (0161) 202 6603 Home(07976) 352 513 Mobile(0161) 234 3002 Town Hall(0161) 234 3296 FAX
www.marcramsbottom.org.uk
You can meet up with your Liberal Democrat councillors to discuss any issues of concern on the first and third Saturdays of the month between 11am and 12 noon at the main cafe bar in the City Art Gallery. The next few dates are: Saturday 17 February and Saturday 3 March 2007.
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 9:15 PM
Subject: Re: Planning Decision
STATEMENT
I am very disappointed that the Planning and Highways Committee approved this application. At the Committee, I spoke out in support of residents objection, stating that the plans represented overdevelopment of the site and that the design of the scheme was out of keeping with the Conservation Area and especially out of character with the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that surround the site.
It seems that commercial and financial interests out weigh the concerns of the local community, and the City Council has failed yet again to listen to the needs and interest of people.
At the Committee meeting opposition members of the Committee were refused permission to speak out against the application, and as a result the decision to approve it was railroaded by Labour members who dominate the Committee. I have sent a formal complaint to the City Solicitor about this, and also a letter of complaint to Manchester Pride who had no right to speak in support of the application without the backing of the local lesbian and gay community.
Marc
Cllr Marc Ramsbottom
Liberal Democrat Councillor - City Centre Ward
Tel: (0161) 202 6603 Home(07976) 352 513 Mobile(0161) 234 3002 Town Hall(0161) 234 3296 FAX
www.marcramsbottom.org.uk
You can meet up with your Liberal Democrat councillors to discuss any issues of concern on the first and third Saturdays of the month between 11am and 12 noon at the main cafe bar in the City Art Gallery. The next few dates are: Saturday 17 February and Saturday 3 March 2007.
Planning committee ask for changes
Today is the day the site visit was conducted. About 50 people attended. The event was filmed by the BBC, and interviews were conducted with numerous local residents. This will be shown on the Regional News tonight at 6:30 PM.
The planning committee have NOT APPROVED the plans as they stand.
Full details of their decision will be posted here once it is available to us in writing.
Thanks to all for your continued support.
Chris G
The planning committee have NOT APPROVED the plans as they stand.
Full details of their decision will be posted here once it is available to us in writing.
Thanks to all for your continued support.
Chris G
Next stage of campaign
Thanks to all for the massive support at the last planning meeting.
We are pleased with the successful decision at that meeting by the planners to visit the site before they make the final decision.
This visit will take place on 15th February at 10:30AM. If you aren't too hung over from Valentines day please try to attend and show your opposition to the development. Save Our Village will have banners etc. Keep checking here for any updates.
Please keep up the brilliant support we have received to date!!
Chris G
We are pleased with the successful decision at that meeting by the planners to visit the site before they make the final decision.
This visit will take place on 15th February at 10:30AM. If you aren't too hung over from Valentines day please try to attend and show your opposition to the development. Save Our Village will have banners etc. Keep checking here for any updates.
Please keep up the brilliant support we have received to date!!
Chris G
Planning Decision Deferred
For those who were not at the Town Hall yesterday – or missed NW tonight we got a deferral of the Application – but not before the Committee heard all the arguments for and against.
Peter Copping spoke against the plans on behalf of Regency House and I followed for SoV.
Phil Burke from VBA spoke in favour and so did Francis Hilton as Applicant.
Councillor Ramsbottom raised objections as ward Councillor and Cllr Paul Fairweather and Cllr Mary Murphy as lead councillors for gay and lesbian issues.
So a small victory – but the big date for the diary is 15TH February – 10.30am the Planning Committee will be visiting the site – and we need to mobilise to ensure lots of residents are there and we get maximum publicity.
Then the Committee will sit at 2pm in the Council Chamber – so please put the date in your diary if you may be able to attend and let me know if you would like to get more involved in the final leg of Campaigning.
Regards
Chris Speck
Save Our Village
Peter Copping spoke against the plans on behalf of Regency House and I followed for SoV.
Phil Burke from VBA spoke in favour and so did Francis Hilton as Applicant.
Councillor Ramsbottom raised objections as ward Councillor and Cllr Paul Fairweather and Cllr Mary Murphy as lead councillors for gay and lesbian issues.
So a small victory – but the big date for the diary is 15TH February – 10.30am the Planning Committee will be visiting the site – and we need to mobilise to ensure lots of residents are there and we get maximum publicity.
Then the Committee will sit at 2pm in the Council Chamber – so please put the date in your diary if you may be able to attend and let me know if you would like to get more involved in the final leg of Campaigning.
Regards
Chris Speck
Save Our Village
Update to plans
Following negotiations with English Heritage, the plans for the Whitworth Street facada of the residential building (to my knowledge) will now consist of 55% real sandstone panels. Originally they were going to be all glass with coloured backing to mimic the colour of the brick on surrounding buildings.
Two revised plans are available on the council website or on our website here.
Two revised plans are available on the council website or on our website here.
Planning Hearing Date Announced.
Hi all,
The date for these applications to be considered by the planning committee of Manchester City Council has been announced.
Date: Thursday 18th January 2007
Time: 2PM
Venue: Manchester Town Hall
Room: Council Chamber, Level 3, Town Hall Extension
The meeting is open to the public to attend but there will very limited opportunity for the public to speak. A small number of representatives will be given a couple of minutes.
Chris Speck will speak for Save Our Village and Peter Copping wishes to speak for Regency House – but we won’t have any further opportunity as residents (and I’m told only a few minutes maximum per speaker).
Apparently some changes have been made to the plans as required by English Heritage. This does not change the size of the buildings, but will improve the appearance. I will post more information as soon as I have it.
Chris G
The date for these applications to be considered by the planning committee of Manchester City Council has been announced.
Date: Thursday 18th January 2007
Time: 2PM
Venue: Manchester Town Hall
Room: Council Chamber, Level 3, Town Hall Extension
The meeting is open to the public to attend but there will very limited opportunity for the public to speak. A small number of representatives will be given a couple of minutes.
Chris Speck will speak for Save Our Village and Peter Copping wishes to speak for Regency House – but we won’t have any further opportunity as residents (and I’m told only a few minutes maximum per speaker).
Apparently some changes have been made to the plans as required by English Heritage. This does not change the size of the buildings, but will improve the appearance. I will post more information as soon as I have it.
Chris G
English Heritage Oppose Scheme
English Heritage has confirmed that they are unhappy with the scheme as submitted and are seeking amendments to it.
"Negotiations about amendments are continuing at the moment with the architect and developer, and the intention is to provide advice to the City on an amended scheme in time for the Planning Committee meeting later this month.
Once we give our advice it will be in the public domain and we will be able to let you have a copy."
Tony Lloyd MP is also involved and is requesting the application be 'called in' for consideration by Central Government as it is such a large development on an important World Heritage site.
"Negotiations about amendments are continuing at the moment with the architect and developer, and the intention is to provide advice to the City on an amended scheme in time for the Planning Committee meeting later this month.
Once we give our advice it will be in the public domain and we will be able to let you have a copy."
Tony Lloyd MP is also involved and is requesting the application be 'called in' for consideration by Central Government as it is such a large development on an important World Heritage site.
Outcome of Community Design Exercise 6th October 2006
Community Design Generates Consensus
As part of the investigtion process by residents of the Village Area a community led design event was held by residents. At this they modelled their plans and aspirations on scale models of the Princess Street car park site. This led to a genuine consensus on appropriate designs, and provided examples of alternatives to those proposed by the developer.
The event was facilitated by the local office of URBED – an architectural cooperative based in the Northern Quarter of Manchester who have helped other groups in Manchester, notably in Hulme.
The above image shows photographs of the conference at work.
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