Plans for city's tallest tower hit by admin setback

The application was approved last month

Plans to build what would become Manchester's tallest tower have suffered a setback after an administrative error left the council needing to re-assess planning permission it granted last month.

The 807 ft (246m) high Nobu Manchester would stand higher than the nearby Deansgate Square South Tower and under-construction "Plot D" block.

A similar error has also affected plans for another skyscraper on Whitworth Street West, near Deansgate Locks, which was also approved at the same 10 April meeting.

Both applications will be heard again on Thursday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said, and both are again recommended for planning approval.

Nobu Manchester would become the UK's tallest building out of London.

"Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city's aspirations and confidence in itself," said developer Salboy's Simon Ismail, after obtaining planning permission for the development.

The 76-storey tower, behind the Manchester Central convention centre, would feature 452 flats and a 160-bedroom hotel.

However, a council report said an administrative error meant that a key body - the Music Venue Trust (MVT) - was not properly consulted and submitted an "objection which presented new information" after approval.

MVT, which is a charity, said the building could affect Rebellion, a nearby gig venue.

A second development also fell foul of the blunder

The council report said Rebellion is "a long-established Mancunian cultural space" hosting live music since 2013 and more than 220 annual events annually.

It is an important hub of grassroots music and cultural activity, the report added.

The report also said Rebellion's operators "must be actively included, and venue operations appropriately surveyed" as the plan "would have an adverse impact on the cultural organisation's ongoing viability".

Developer Glenbrook also has to resubmit an application for the £118m 44-storey skyscraper on Whitworth Street West.

The report said MVT should have been consulted, which meant "key factors such as worst-case noise scenarios, audience attendance numbers and venue operation timings, which include live music and DJ events throughout the week" had not been considered.

United Utilities also objected to the application "as it appears to be located above their combined sewer, which they will not permit building over" the document continued, but said Glenbrook was working with UU to resolve that objection.