The project involved the redevelopment of a long-vacant brownfield site at a prominent gateway location on the Princess Road corridor in Moss Side. The site sits adjacent to a range of sensitive neighbouring uses, including the Heineken Brewery and the West Indian Sports and Social Club, and has historical significance as the former location of the Reno Club.

The scheme sought to address significant affordable housing needs within Moss Side through the delivery of 212 new homes. Key planning considerations included building height, design quality, density, residential amenity, environmental impacts, stakeholder concerns, and the integration of a large-scale residential development within an established urban community.

We led the planning strategy from pre-application through to determination, working with MSV, Manchester City Council and the wider consultant team. We coordinated extensive stakeholder and community engagement, helping to refine the scale, layout and housing mix in response to feedback from local residents, businesses and community organisations.

We managed the preparation of a comprehensive planning application supported by a wide range of technical assessments. We also worked collaboratively with the project team to demonstrate the site's suitability for high-density affordable housing. Following submission, we maintained ongoing dialogue with planning officers and consultees, coordinated responses to technical queries and supported the client through the Planning Committee process, where the proposals were presented and recommended for approval.

The planning strategy focused on delivering a policy-compliant, design-led scheme that responds to local housing needs, regenerates a prominent brownfield site and supports Manchester's affordable housing objectives.

The planning application was approved in November 2025 on behalf of MSV Housing Group and Manchester City Council, marking a significant step in addressing affordable housing needs in Moss Side in Manchester, while regenerating a brownfield site with excellent connections into the wider community and the city centre. Works are now underway to implement the planning permission and bring forward this exciting project.