Ambitious plans to turn dilapidated Levenshulme bowling green into natural oasis

direct to your inboxThe head of Manchester’s planning committee has defended the controversial decision to approve proposals to build offices on a much-loved green space in Ancoats.More than 5,000 people signed a petition opposing the ‘workspace campus’ on New Islington Green, a large patch of grass by New Islington tram stop.Residents, Labour councillors and Liberal Democrat campaigners urged the committee to save the green, which had grown in popularity during lockdown.But most members voted

direct to your inboxA fire engine had to reverse its way back down a street after newly-installed street filters in south Manchester blocked access towards an ongoing incident. Earlier this month, a series of street filters were installed across Levenshulme as part of a six-month trial by Manchester Council to ease road traffic and improve air quality in the area.

straight to your inbox every day for freeManchester United are hopeful Amad Diallo will develop into their long-term right winger.Diallo, 18, completed his £37million transfer from Atalanta this month and was one of two right wingers United signed in October, along with Uruguayan teenager Facundo Pellistri, following the failed pursuit of Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho.The last specialist right winger United signed prior to Pellistri and Diallo was Wilfried Zaha in the January 2013

direct to your inboxPlans to build a 17-storey office tower on Deansgate have been thrown out after councillors sided with residents of a neighbouring building who said it would block out their sunlight.The glass tower planned to replace Speakers House would also have an overbearing impact on neighbouring heritage buildings, according to Manchester’s planning committee.Members had been warned that their reasons for refusal were ‘weak’ and would not stand up to an appeal by property firm Kames,

direct to your inboxManchester’s planning committee have delayed making a decision on a controversial 55-storey student skyscraper in the city centre after hearing concerns from residents and councillors.Council officers have backed the £130m development of 853 flats in Hulme Street despite being warned that it will face a legal challenge if planning permission is granted.Residents of Macintosh Village off Oxford Road have been fighting against the red-brick ‘tombstone’, which would be one of

direct to your inboxGreater Manchester’s long-delayed Clean Air Zone could be signed off by leaders by the summer after months of public consultation.Vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and lorries that do not meet emission standards would have to pay a daily charge to drive in the city-region under the plans.Local authorities across the UK have been mandated by the government to introduce charging Clean Air Zones to combat illegal levels of air pollution in the shortest possible

direct to your inboxPlans for more than 400 new homes in Partington have been approved.Trafford council’s planning committee met last night (Thursday) to discuss proposals from developer Countryside Properties for 449 houses on land off Hall Lane, and another plot next to the Manchester Ship Canal.Plans were submitted in two applications.The first will see 151 homes on land off Hall Lane, including a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes.There will be 78 affordable houses on site, according

straight to your inbox every day for freeManchester United fans want the club to do everything in their power to keep Paul Pogba this summer. Despite falling behind in the first five minutes, United retook top spot in the Premier League on Wednesday with a hard fought 2-1 victory at Fulham.

“Their memories will endure and Manchester will never forget them.

direct to your inboxThe Premier League have confirmed that all Premier League games throughout February will be shown live in the UK, allowing Manchester United and Man City fans to watch their teams in action.Supporters briefly returned to some stadiums in England over the Christmas period for the first time since March, with clubs in Tier 2 allowed to home 2,000 supporters.That was short lived, though, as the UK entered its third national lockdown in under 12 months at the start of January.As

Sign up to the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from school closures to ways to entertain the kidsPlans for daily Covid tests in schools have been halted amid concerns over the new variant.The idea was that pupils who were identified as close contacts of a positive case would be tested daily for seven days, as an alternative to them having to self-isolate.Unveiled as a 'milestone moment' when it was unveiled by ministers, it was billed as a critical move in fighting the

direct to your inboxMajor plans to carry out urgent repairs at Manchester Velodrome have been approved after concerns were expressed about its long-term future.Numerous structural, mechanical and electrical failures have been identified at the 26-year-old building which forms part of the HSBC UK National Cycling Centre.A report submitted with the planning application warned that if ‘catastrophic' failings forced the complex to close, investment in Manchester would dry up and renowned cycling

direct to your inboxPlans for more than 400 new homes in Partington are set to be decided on this week.Across two separate applications, 449 homes are going to Trafford council’s planning committee.The first would see 151 homes on land off Hall Lane in Partington from Countryside Properties.The application, for full planning permission, for land sitting along the Manchester ship canal in the village includes a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes.It was submitted by Countryside Properties

Sign up for our What's On newsletter - for all the latest whether you're staying in or heading out and aboutA popular Manchester market is hoping to continue providing a ‘vital and vibrant space’ for traders and customers at the heart of its community after a difficult year.Levenshulme Market has become a huge part of the area since launching in 2013, attracting hundreds of traders and thousands more visitors between March and December.Organisers are now planning to add a monthly Sunday market -

direct to your inboxA memorial to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing and a £130m skyscraper that would be one of the tallest in the city are due to be considered by councillors.The planning committee’s first meeting of 2021 will hear applications for the redevelopment of the landmark Debenhams building in the city centre along with hundreds of new offices.Controversial plans to demolish an office building on Deansgate and replace it with a replacement ‘more appropriate in 1970s East

direct to your inboxPlans for a permanent memorial to the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing have been recommended for approval.The Glade of Light will provide a place of ’remembrance and reflection’ for friends and relatives of those who tragically lost their lives on May 22, 2017.A white stone ring halo near Manchester Cathedral will contain a personalised memory capsule behind the names of their loved ones, which will be inscribed in bronze.The memorial could be built in time for the