Morrison Developments’ attempts to ensure that its proposed leisure scheme in south Manchester conforms with PPG6 have failed to convince the DOE. Environment Secretary John Gummer has decided to call in the 19,230 sq m (207,000 sq ft) scheme for a public inquiry.
Facilities on the site – which is located at Handforth Dean near Wilmslow – will comprise a multiplex cinema, three restaurants, a “family entertainment centre” and a nightclub. There are also plans for 2,415 sq m (26,000 sq ft) of non-food retail space.
Cheadle MP Stephen Day, who organised opposition to the scheme, is delighted by the decision. But Macclesfield council, which was planning to sell the land for the project for a reported £30m, is disappointed at the DOE’s action.
