Nearly 100 people have objected to a proposed four-storey extension above a shisha lounge and office building in Salford. A planning application has been submitted to build two new floors of office space and two floors of apartments above the Anchorage House building at 252 the Quays, next to Erie Basin. If approved it would bring the total number of storeys up to six. A shisha lounge is currently based on the ground floor of the existing site, with office space on the first floor. The extension would see ten new homes created if approved, as well as a new garden roof. Under the new plans, the ground floor would become a cafe-lounge area. But so far 95 residents have objected to the plan. Objectors living in nearby buildings cited a loss of daylight as one of the main reasons for opposing the scheme. Chantal Zuurmond lives in Millennium Tower next to the application site. She said: “It’s very close to us and it would block windows. People in Millennium Tower look out to the Quays but there would be a concrete block there instead, it feels a bit dystopian.” A planning statement submitted as part of the application states that the extension would create a “landmark residential and commercial” building with solar panels and garden areas. A refurbishment of the existing floors would see a new “accessible” entrance hall created with a concierge area, as well as new lifts and a staircase. It hopes to play a “crucial role in kick starting the regeneration of the neighbourhood” which is one of the most sought after areas to live and work in Greater Manchester. Massive regeneration and investment has taken place around Salford Quays over a number of years, with new apartments being built alongside places to eat and drink. It’s also home to the BBC which has its studios in Media City. Anchorage Chambers Limited was contacted for comment.
