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Planners facing public inquiry over Golden Lion

30/12/2004

A PUBLIC inquiry is to be held into the way Manchester City Council dealt with a planning application in Withington.

Developers Clarke Lyons Ltd, of Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, claim the council took too long in deciding an application for 53 flats, in two blocks, with underground parking, on the site of the Golden Lion pub.

However councillors have since approved a modified plan for 40 flats on the same site in Wilmslow Road, Withington.

Withington councillor Alison Firth said: "They weren't happy with the first application because the planning committee didn't decide it quickly enough. The council wanted a longer time to consult the public."

She said she felt the application was already an overdevelopment but, if the planning inspector decides in the developer's favour, it could force through the development of the extra 13 flats.

Coun Firth said: "They are trying to squeeze in too many flats into the area, putting profit before people.

"Some will not have any natural light. Surely we should be pressing for higher standards than this. There will be problems with parking.

"We just want people to have proper amenities, especially with a proper garden. The inquiry will give local people another opportunity to argue these feelings again to the planning inspector, who will visit the site themselves.

"But it could go back to the original application, which had more flats."

The inquiry, which is open to the public, takes place on February 15, at 10am, in committee room four, of Manchester Town Hall, in Albert Square.

If you wish to speak you must be at the inquiry when it opens and must ask the inspector for permission at the start.

Documents relating to the application are available from the city solicitor's reception, in room 601, from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Clarke Lyons Ltd were unavailable for comment.