Plans for a 40 storey tower 300m from our historic Town Hall go to Committee ON 8th MARCH. We can ask Government to step in and appoint an independent planning inspector to make this planning decision instead of 14 City councillors. We CAN ask Government, and they CAN agree - requests have to go by email to npcu@communities.gsi.gov.uk There’s ONLY DAYS left - Government would have to step in BEFORE the 8th March meeting - so PLEASE EMAIL TODAY if you can - the reference number is Manchester 114664/FO/2016, and here are 6 key points: 1. harm would be caused to the setting and significance of important heritage assets of more than local importance, including our nationally valued Town Hall and civic buildings 2. this is an inappropriate location for these buildings, which don't reflect, respond to or respect their surroundings 3. the proposals fail to comply with the Council’s Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework, or to fit with the Guide to Development in Manchester and published Conservation Area policies 4. the proposals are too tall and too bulky thus not sustainable, due to their impact on Manchester's historic environment. They fail to build a high-quality environment 5. the benefits of the proposals are narrow, partial, and insufficient to balance the harm done to Manchester's assets. 6. the Council is a legal partner with a financial stake in the St Michael’s proposals so will will profit directly from its development, and has demonstrated publicly at senior level that it is not impartial in the matter. This a matter of more than local importance, and only central Government can offer a credible, independent and impartial the decision Central Government should step in. The Council is BOTH business partner in the development company that put these plans forward AND the planning authority - so would be giving itself planning permission for the buildings. Many, including national media, have severe doubts as to whether the Council can be impartial and objective. Here's the address again: npcu@communities.gsi.gov.uk If you can copy it to helpful City Centre Councillor Joan Davies at cllr.j.davies@manchester.gov.uk too that would be great - thanks! Thank you so much, Lesley