New skyscraper cluster approved for city centre

The five new blocks will include more than 2,300 apartments

Plans for a cluster of skyscrapers which will "define what Manchester looks like for future generations" have been signed off - despite concerns about a lack of affordable housing.

Developer Renaker has secured permission for five new high-rise towers in the Deansgate area, including a 71-storey block which could become the city's tallest building.

Manchester City Council approved the bid but some raised concerns about the absence of affordable homes among the 2,388 flats.

Labour councillor Basil Curely said this was "disappointing" given the "vast housing crisis".

The largest of Renaker's towerblocks, named in planning documents as Plot D, is set to be 71 storeys tall, at 213m (698 ft) high.

It could be the tallest building in the city, but rival developer Salboy has proposed a 241m (790 ft) high block as part of the race to put up new high-rises buildings in the centre of Manchester.

A school, public square and medical centre have already been built on the site

The other of Renaker's four towers will be either between 47 or 51 storeys tall, and will include a dog spa, Mahjong room, and a virtual golf driving range

They have been designed to fit with infrastructure already built by the developer, which includes a primary school, medical centre, and a public square.

“It will be the skyline of the city, it will define what the city looks like for future generations,” said Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Kilpatrick in a meeting.

But he said he found it "hard to understand" the lack of affordable housing or section 106 payments.

The contributions are made by developers to councils to spend on other projects in lieu of providing affordable housing.

In Renaker’s case, a deal has been struck with Manchester council to pay £37,180 through section 106.

Mr Curley said there was "an expectation that money from this development will go to providing social and affordable housing elsewhere".

“We know the crisis in housing is so vast that section 106 will not fix it but it will help, particularly for people on housing waiting lists.”

Renkaer’s agent at the meeting, John Cooper, said the schemes would create 923 construction jobs, and a further 133 roles once the towers are completed.