Councillor Bob Clarke, who has forever been, usually, the lone vote against developments that don't pay proper contributions or don't meet high standards, was this morning, like all other councillors, raving like a pickled herring at the designs for a new ultra green building in New Bailey...
"After five years we're finally doing something I like" he laughed "We should have been doing this for years – it's lovely..."
The twelve storey office building with retail spaces at its base, is to have a green facade, with ivy growing out of specially designed and irrigated ledge boxes..."The Hanging Gardens of Babylon comes to Salford" quipped Councillor John Warmisham, while Councillor Jim Dawson called the plans "fantastic", and Councillor Lewis Nelson hoped that it would be a blueprint for other developers..."It's something that we ought to be proud of" he added.
Even the Salford Council planning officer who introduced the application said that the building was "pushing boundaries" and would be a "landmark development". Nobody on the panel disagreed.
Planning agent, Mr Grant, told the panel that the building didn't just look unique... "It is hoped it will be one of the first net zero carbon schemes to operate in the UK" and "the health and wellbeing of future users of the building has been a central theme throughout the design process".
For the architects, Mr Frazier, echoed the sentiments, saying the building was created to "enhance occupancy health, wellbeing, productivity...and really push the sustainability agenda in terms of commercial office buildings."
He spoke of "draping greenery across the facade...creepers, climbers, trailers", with inspiration taken from old buildings with ivy growing up them. Ivy was chosen because it's hardy, evergreen, easy to grow and shade tolerant..."It can absorb air pollution, it can absorb carbon..."
The pre-grown plants will be watered via a dripfeed irrigation system, and each plant box has a sensor in it that monitors moisture levels so the plants never dry out. There is also a nursery full of replacement plants if needed to maintain the facade.
A couple of councillors asked about a potential vegetation fire hazard and dripping window boxes but they were assured these would not be a problem as the building exceeds regulations.
There were no contributions requested for things like public realm and transport/highway infrastructure, as the building 'sufficiently mitigates its impact'.
In unanimously approving the application, planning panel chair Councillor Ray Mashiter, said it was the first time he'd seen everyone smile as they were voting...
Earlier councillors also gave planning approval to RJR Securities for the erection of a 16 storey 188 room hotel, bar and restaurant next to City Suites in Greengate, for which £432,000 Section 106 contributions will be made. Councillor Clarke was, again, the lone voice of dissent for this application.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
