Concern is growing that emergency powers given to Manchester city council during the Covid-19 crisis will be used to pass controversial decisions, including plans for the UK’s largest indoor arena, “behind closed doors”.
A £350m concert arena with a capacity of 23,000 is being planned next to Manchester City football club’s stadium. Two other projects — a block of flats and student accommodation — were previously rejected but now look likely to be passed.
The council has suspended its planning committee to ensure social distancing. Campaigners say the emergency arrangements, under which some decisions are taken by the chief executive, Joanne Roney, are not democratic.
Planning applications will now be considered by Roney, the committee chairman, Basil Curley, and his deputy, Nasrin Ali.
The proposed