Manchester City Council has pushed back making a decision on whether to approve Downing Developments’ 2,224-bed co-living scheme.
The scheme at First Street, which was recommended for approval, was discussed at the council’s Planning Committee yesterday. The committee decided to make a visit to the site before deciding whether to give the go ahead.
The site visit would establish how the scheme would fit in with regards to the surrounding area (including listed buildings) according to the committee, and the application will come back to a future planning meeting for a final decision to be made.
Downing Developments’ First Street scheme would see 875 studios and 609 flats designed for communal living spread over four buildings of between 10 and 45 storeys, making this the largest development of its kind in the UK.
Downing Developments acquired the site from Patrizia last year. A planning approval would supersede Patrizia’s earlier consent for 624 flats, which it previously planned as its first BTR development in the UK.
Two other co-living schemes, compromising a total 1,676 co-living bedrooms, were also put to yesterday’s planning committee.
Two schemes in Water Street lodged by Vita Group were recommended for approval. One scheme – a 36-storey tower compromising 806 bedrooms – was approved, while the other – a 32-storey tower with 870 bedrooms – was refused.
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