The developer and the City Council have arrived to an agreement that will allow the 366-apartment Gallery gardens in Manchester City to progress, more than a year after it was approved by the delegated powers. DeTrafford will offer a first £330,000 for the off-site affordable housing and redevelopment to three parks in Hulme, agreement with the city council under the terms of a Section 106.
As from the agreement, the developer failed to fulfil the planning policy requirements in relation to affordable housing. Under the terms of Manchester’s local plan, developers are obliged to provide 20% affordable housing provision on site. If this cannot be met, the council’s and developers will go into a Section 106 agreement that will provide funds towards off-site affordable housing.
Read also:US$ 119M loan to finance three transport infrastructure projects in Senegal
The Development
The Council determined that in order for Gallery Gardens in Manchester City to comply with policy, DeTrafford “should offer a payment of the maximum contribution”, estimated at £8.6m. However, DeTrafford stated that there were “viability issues” relating to the scheme, the reason it was unable to deliver the 20% affordable housing provision or the maximum contribution. “Without lowering the maximum contribution, the implementation of the development is not viable,” states the Section 106 agreement. The council will review the endorsement at a later date to ascertain whether there is scope for DeTrafford to pay more contributions.
The £94m Gallery Gardens in Manchester city was designed by JM Architects and DEP, consisting of two buildings with different heights, from eight to 12 storeys and 14 to 18 storeys, respectively. It’s located on a 41,000 sq ft site at the corner of Hulme Hall Road, Chester Road and Ellesmere Street. The two structures will be separated by the new road called Spinner’s Way. Paul Butler Associates is advising on the planning. Prior to being accepted, the plans for the scheme were unsuccessful at two planning committee meetings, bringing criticism from local residents and councillors. It was in April 2020 when a three-person delegated planning panel approved the scheme.
