The Planning Committee of Manchester Council was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including proposals for a new residential apartment building on Rochdale Road, student accommodation on Charles Street, and student accommodation and hotel conversion on Sackville Street. The committee was also scheduled to discuss an application for roof alterations and additional bedrooms at Carfax Court.

Application for 145583/FO/2026 - Land At 85 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY - Piccadilly

The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider a report concerning the proposed erection of a 17-storey residential apartment building at 85 Rochdale Road¹. The application was scheduled to include the demolition of an existing vacant building to make way for 153 homes, along with associated public realm and landscaping works. The report pack indicated that 93 objections had been received, including concerns from the Marble Arch Public House, the Victorian Society, and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Key issues scheduled for discussion were the impact on the setting of the Grade II listed Marble Arch Public House, the absence of affordable housing, and the overall scale and design of the proposed development. The report pack noted that the committee considered a site visit to be appropriate to assess the potential impacts on the Marble Arch Public House. Consideration of the application was scheduled to be deferred to undertake this site visit.

Application for PLA-2026-000312 - Charles Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Plot H Sister, Charles Street, Manchester, M1 7AR - Piccadilly

The committee was scheduled to consider a report regarding the proposed erection of three interconnected blocks of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on Charles Street². These blocks were scheduled to range from 8 to 38 storeys in height and were intended to provide 1041 student bedrooms, along with commercial uses, landscaping, and highway works. The report pack indicated that 88 objections had been received, with concerns raised about the impact on daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties, the scale and massing of the proposed tower, and the potential for the area to become a student ghetto. Historic England was scheduled to comment on the harm to the setting of the conservation area. The proposal was also noted to be part of the ID Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF), aiming to create a commercial innovation hub.

Application for 144791/FO/2025 - Weston Student Halls And Pendulum Hotel, 78 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3BB - Piccadilly

A report was scheduled to be presented concerning a phased development at 78 Sackville Street, which was to involve the partial demolition of existing structures and the erection of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) buildings³. The proposal included buildings of varying heights, up to 50 storeys, and the change of use of the Pendulum Hotel to PBSA. The report pack indicated that 69 objections had been received, with significant concerns raised about the impact on daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties, particularly Granby House and Granby Village, and the cumulative impact with other nearby developments. Historic England was scheduled to comment on the harm to the setting of the Whitworth Street Conservation Area and nearby listed buildings. The proposal was also noted to be part of the ID Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF).

Application for 143666/FO/2025 - Carfax Court, 7 Lower Park Road, Manchester, M14 5RQ - Rusholme

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for works to the roof of Carfax Court at 7 Lower Park Road⁴. The proposal was to include the installation of a replacement roof and chimneys, which would facilitate the creation of five additional ensuite student bedrooms and two communal areas within the roofspace. Additionally, the application was scheduled to cover the provision of cycle storage and the erection of railings to the front boundary. Objections had been received from local residents and the Rusholme and Fallowfield Civic Society, raising concerns about the impact on residential amenity, bats, the character of the Victoria Park Conservation Area, and the standard of accommodation proposed. The City Arborist had no objections to the proposed tree removal, and Environmental Health had suggested conditions relating to acoustic insulation and refuse storage.

Other Agenda Items

The committee was also scheduled to consider urgent business, including any supplementary information on applications being considered. Appeals against the refusal to allow inspection of background documents or the inclusion of items in the confidential part of the agenda were also scheduled. Members were to be given an opportunity to declare any interests. Finally, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 September 2026 were scheduled for review.