Manchester rejects Strangeways padel proposals
Summary
Manchester City Council has refused plans to convert a vacant warehouse in Strangeways into an indoor padel and wellness facility. The decision was based on the site’s designation as strategic employment land and the council’s view that insufficient evidence was provided to show the premises were no longer suitable for continued employment use.
Why it matters
The case highlights how planning policy can restrict change of use from employment to leisure uses, particularly in designated employment areas. Surveyors advising on asset strategy, planning risk or redevelopment potential should note the importance of demonstrating loss of employment viability and policy compliance.
Key points
- Proposal involved converting a 35,000 sq ft warehouse into eight indoor padel courts and a wellness club.
- Manchester City Council said the scheme would undermine the area’s economic function and employment land supply.
- The council found no sufficient evidence that the premises were no longer viable for employment use.
- Refusal was cited as contrary to the NPPF, the Manchester UDP and Places for Everyone.
- A similar padel scheme nearby on Dutton Street had previously been approved on a temporary basis.
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