Owners of a residential tower labelled "the biggest eyesore in Salford" have come under fire for "under-investment". The comment was made as a "high-quality" development in its shadow was given planning approval.
Councillors on the city's planning and transportation regulatory panel enthusiastically welcomed plans to demolish a bingo hall and replace it with three blocks from six to nine storeys high with 268 new homes in Pendleton. The development is just yards from Briar Hill Court which can be seen from miles around and which points the way to Salford Shopping City.
Pendleton and Charlestown ward councillor John Warmisham was scathing about Briar Hill Court as the panel unanimously approved the new development which will be opposite Pendleton Police Station. He said: "This is a much-needed development in Salford. It's of a higher quality than we usually see in the inner city, where people are desperate for properties.
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"As pleasing as it is to be having something that's new, it only highlights what is the biggest eyesore in Salford - Briar Hill Court. We've asked the owners to invest in it for years because it sticks out like a sore thumb. It's a disgrace."
His Labour colleague Coun Mike McCuster said the new development on the footprint of what is now the Buzz Bingo hall and its car park would "lift the whole area".
And Coun Bob Clarke added: "Finally, I have the chance to speak positively about something. This is interesting because someone has designed buildings that are not square. I am very pleased with it."
Meanwhile, Coun Philip Cusack said: "This makes a significant contribution to the city. It's the kind of development that Salford deserves."
Ahead of the meeting, documents presented to councillors recommended the development put forward by applicant Paul Thornton of Zirconia Salford Unit Trust for approval. Neighbours had voiced concerns that the new buildings would spoil their view of the moors north of Salford.
But planning officers said: "Unfortunately, no one has a 'right' to a view." In the development will have 117 one-bedroom apartments, 137 with two beds, 10 with three beds and four three-bed maisonettes.
There was also a stipulation that the development must accommodate between 54 and 94 affordable housing units. The developer is also being asked to contribute £837,446 towards public open space in the area, and a further £385,550 towards public realm.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted owners of Briar Hill Court, via property managers Sterling Properties for comment.
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