Hodder & Partners’ 40-storey St Michael’s development in Manchester is facing a fresh challenge, with Manchester Civic Society set to dispute its planning permission.

Soliciters acting on behalf of the society served judicial review papers on Manchester council this week, raising issues including the correct legal approach to assessing whether a development will cause substantial harm to heritage assets under the National Planning Policy Framework.

Manchester council approved the £200m scheme – created by the practice for a consortium fronted by former Manchester United stars Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, with the backing of Chinese investor BCEGI Group – in March, despite opposition from the society as well as Save Britain’s Heritage and the Victorian Society.

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