The Planning Committee of Manchester Council met on Thursday, 11 June 2026, to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on a new entertainment venue at the Etihad Campus, a change of use for a business centre to a SEMH school, and the erection of a place of worship and educational building.

New Entertainment Venue at Etihad Campus

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed erection of a three-storey entertainment venue with a capacity of 600 people on land bounded by the Metrolink Line, Alan Turing Way, Gibbon Street, and Loverose Street in Manchester. The application, submitted by Manchester City Football Club, detailed plans for a venue of 3,117.6 sqm, featuring live entertainment and dining facilities.

The report pack highlighted that the proposal aligns with national and local planning policies, aiming to bring economic, social, and environmental benefits. It was noted that the venue would contribute to Manchester's visitor economy, create approximately 150 jobs, and support tourism. Environmental considerations included plans for high-performance building fabric, efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and proposed biodiversity improvements.

However, the application also detailed objections from local residents concerning cumulative impacts on the transport network and noise disturbance. Concerns were raised about increased footfall, potential congestion, and the impact on residential amenity. Highways Services indicated no identified impact on highway safety, provided that conditions for a Travel Plan, Event Management Plan, and Egress and Dispersal Plan were met. Environmental Health recommended conditions to control noise, odours, and lighting. The report also addressed potential impacts on heritage assets, noting a low level of less than substantial harm to the setting of listed canal locks and bridges, which was considered to be outweighed by the substantial regeneration benefits.

Change of Use to SEMH School

The committee was scheduled to consider a change of use application for part of the Cornbrook Enterprise Centre at 70 Quenby Street, Manchester. The proposal sought to change the use from a business centre (Class E) to a SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school (Class F1). The existing premises, measuring 520 sqm, would accommodate a maximum of 30 pupils and 20 staff, with no external or internal structural alterations proposed. The proposed hours of operation were 07:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday.

Objections were received from local residents and a ward councillor, citing concerns about the facility not being for local children, increased congestion and parking issues, and the appropriateness of the location for a school environment due to its proximity to residential properties. Councillor Glover's objection highlighted a lack of evidence of partnership with Manchester City Council for SEND provision, insufficient evidence of local need, and inadequate outdoor and recreational space. Environmental Health recommended conditions relating to fume extraction, service/delivery hours, and external plant. Greater Manchester Police's Design for Security team provided comments on security measures, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) advised on parking restrictions and the need for a Travel Plan.

New Place of Worship and Educational Building

The erection of a part two, part three-storey building with a basement to form a place of worship and educational building (Class F1) at 13 Winterford Road, Manchester, was also on the agenda. The proposal, submitted by Al Sunnah Mosque, involved the demolition of the existing place of worship and the construction of a new facility with an internal floor area of 1,264 sqm. The plans included prayer rooms, classrooms, offices, and associated facilities, with 42 parking spaces and 30 cycle spaces proposed.

Seven objections were received from neighbouring residents, primarily concerning noise from visiting children, indiscriminate parking, disruption, and potential for increased noise disturbance, particularly during religious services and events. Highway Services provided comments on access, parking, servicing, and recommended conditions for a Traffic Management Strategy, Car Park Management Plan, and Travel Plan. Environmental Health recommended conditions regarding demolition/construction management, hours of operation, servicing hours, acoustic insulation, and waste storage. The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit noted no significant ecological issues, and a bat report indicated a low risk. United Utilities and the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA) requested conditions related to drainage.

The report pack also included minutes from a previous Planning Committee meeting held on 28 May 2026, detailing decisions made on several planning applications, including the approval of a rooftop pavilion at 1 Piccadilly Gardens and the approval of flexible commercial use at Units 1 and 3, NQ Building, Bengal Street.