The council’s planning committee have voted to accept the proposal for a 440 space car park on the outskirts of the city centre. A decision, campaigners say, breaks the spirit of the councils climate emergency declaration and will increase carbon emissions and other pollutants dangerous to the health of children in a nearby school Manchester […]
Former UN special rapporteur says city development should ‘create landscapes for life, not landscapes for rent’
Professor Raquel Rolnik, a former UN special rapporteur, condemned the financialisation of housing provision in cities across the world, which she says is responsible for rising rents, increasing evictions and homelessness in many countries. Rolnik says neoliberal economic philosophy underpins this radical change in housing provision, which is failing to provide housing to those most […]
Proposal to develop Central Retail Park into a car park represents the very worst of urban development in Manchester
Manchester Labour for a Green New Deal argue that the city council’s plans to turn the former Central Retail Park into a car park will increase traffic pollution, damage health and fail to tackle the climate crisis that the council has previously declared. The proposal by Manchester City Council to develop the site of the […]
There’s no Pride in Abu Dhabi, yet the council is still in bed with this abusive state
Manchester Pride is a wonderful life affirming event that highlights the progress made in accepting sexual and gender preference diversity in the UK, and the many changes we still need to make to provide LGBT+ people with equal rights and opportunities. Manchester City Council (MCC) is broadcasting its support for the event, but these words […]
Residents vent their frustration at Manchester City Council’s planning process
Public meeting to discuss Manchester City Council’s planning process saw accusations of developers ‘watering down’ councillors’ powers and there being a ‘lack of accountability’ in decisions made during the planning process. Frustration and disillusionment were the primary feelings expressed as Labour Piccadilly ward councillors held a meeting with local residents and activists to discuss ways […]
Campaigners join forces against council schemes they say ignore Manchester’s climate emergency
Local campaigners are joining forces to protest Manchester City Council’s plans to build a five-year, temporary 440 space car park on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats, as well as the Great Ancoats Street Improvement Scheme, which removes cycle lanes. A protest was held on Thursday by the Northern Quarter residents and cycling campaigners […]
Manchester apartment dwellers recycle far less than house residents, costing the Earth and the city a fortune
Stories on the threat of climate change, environmental protests against pollution and the government’s often hollow promises to address the issue seem to hit the news every day. Many will be relieved by Manchester City Council’s declaration last Wednesday of a climate emergency, to address the issues faster in the region. In a city that […]
The decision to approve Salboy’s development on Shudehill must be fought
By Labour Councillor Sam Wheeler The decision by the planning committee last week to approve the Salboy’s development on Shudehill is incomprehensible. It must be fought. Last year Salboy, the construction arm of billionaire bookie Fred Done’s empire, put in a bid to build a 13 storey development in the Northern Quarter, one of the […]
Councillors launch petition to block Salboy developing 17-storey glass tower in Northern Quarter
Councillors representing Northern Quarter residents have launched a petition to stop Manchester City Council selling off its land on a site earmarked for a 17-storey tower. The city council’s planning panel approved plans for the 17-storey block of flats by property developer Salboy Limited last week, having rejected the proposals three times previously, for blocks […]
In Miles Platting – whose knowledge matters?
Manchester is undergoing incredibly rapid change. Construction cranes dot the skyline of the city in increasing numbers and they appear to be steadily migrating out of the centre. Change is also occurring due to austerity driven cuts which are limiting the availability of local public services, and changes in shopping habits are having a devastating […]