'We can't keep sticking rubbish like this up... it's grim': Huge development gets the go-ahead, but one councillor really isn't impressed

Planning bosses have been accused of 'boxing people in with no sunlight' after a new apartment block on a parcel of land in the heart of Salford was approved. Despite objections, the 26-storey tower with 250 apartments will take shape in the Chapel Wharf Development Framework area - between Trinity Way and Blackfriars Road.

Some 37 letters of objection to Trinity 2 Ltd's application were received by Salford council’s planning department. Councillor Bob Clarke accused planners of ‘boxing people in with no sunlight’ at a meeting of the city’s planning and transportation panel.

He said: "I can't see how this contributes in any way shape or form to net diversity and sustainability. The building is appalling, it's dull and boring. We can’t keep sticking rubbish like this up. It’s grim. We are just boxing people in with no sunlight."

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Coun Clarke said he failed to see how anything would grow in the green area around the development because of the overshadowing. However, the panel gave the green light to the development despite objections from Blackfriars and Trinity councillor Jane Hamilton and residents.

The planning permission includes a £1m off-site affordable housing contribution. Residents fear the huge building will tower over neighbouring homes in the already densely populated area as well as the Audacious Church and its coming five-storey extension which has already been approved.

A prior application for a much taller building was previously knocked back by the planning officers with Trinity 2 advised to think again. Coun Hamilton told the panel: "Trinity residents have had a lot to put up with regarding development.

"Resi