Plans to change Manchester's skyline approved

Councillors have supported Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs' plans to build a 40-storey skyscraper in Manchester City Centre.

They agreed that the benefits of the £200m scheme outweigd the impact on the historic environment'' in the immediate area.

Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid will have the final say on the propsals, which include a luxury hotel as well as apartments.

The United slegends said the devleopment would deliver the biggest statement in architecture'' the city had seen in modern times.

The city council's planning officers concluded:

The development would create a new landmark for Manchester, setting new standards in design and quality of accommodation, which will reinforce the city's position nationally and internationally.

It would respond to demands from businesses, residents and visitors, and aid the city's economic growth and prosperity.'' Councillor Hugh Barrett wanted the plans rejected because the tower wastoo big'' with an imposing view in every direction you look at''.

He said:

Stuck up like a big candle in an area which is Victoriana in essence. It will become an eyesore.

It will provide some economic benefits obviously... but it will create a problem that we don't want and will harm the presentation of our city in the future.''