Calls to scrap £1bn plans featuring biggest skyscraper | Manchester News

A property developer has been urged to pull the plug on a £1bn plan which would include building Greater Manchester’s tallest skyscraper.

Henley Investment Management (HIM) wants to build 3,300 homes at the Regent Retail Park site in Ordsall, but a decision on the project was postponed by Salford City Council’s planning committee in July over concerns it would affect local services.

HIM resubmitted its application but now Ordsall ward councillor Brendan Keville has asked it to shelve its plans altogether, accusing the developer of “failing to listen”.

HIM said it was “disappointed” by these calls.

The plans include building 10 tower blocks – the biggest having about 78 storeys and being up to 895ft (273m) in height.

If constructed, it would become Greater Manchester’s tallest building, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

More than 460 objections have been submitted against the plans on Salford City Council’s planning portal, while more than 2,000 have signed an online petition to “save” Regent Retail Park.

“The changes are not sufficient to make Henley’s application acceptable for myself and local residents,” said Keville.

“Henley should withdraw their application and work with residents to keep Regent Retail Park as a vital local shopping centre and an essential part of the local community and economy.”

In a letter seen by LDRS, he wrote: “The application transport assessment narrowly focusses on the immediate site and does not sufficiently consider the wider impact for transport and problem parking.

“Ordsall is a key strategic location which lacks sufficient public transport particularly located next to major congested roads.”

An HIM spokesperson responded: “We’re disappointed by calls to withdraw our planning application, particularly given it is fully policy compliant and was recommended for approval by planning officers.

“We’ve worked hard to reflect local priorities, including affordable homes, green space and a community hub.

“We’re actively working with planning officers to address feedback and bring the scheme back to committee in the near future.”

The application is not on the agenda for the next planning meeting on 4 September.

A council spokesperson said: “We are engaged with Henley and their advisors and discussions are ongoing in terms of next steps.”