guidance.
Wind microclimate	Given the adjacency to highways and pedestrian / cycling routes, it will be essential to ensure that the proposed design does not give rise to any safety issues from a wind microclimate perspective (as well as considering pedestrian comfort matters).
Townscape and Visual Impact	There is an opportunity to create a development which sits either adjacent to or on axis with a number of key vehicular routes around the city centre. It will also sit within a group of taller buildings as a back drop from the adjoining lower rise neighbourhood of Hulme. Townscape and Visual Impacts, on the basis that a well designed proposals is put forward, are unlikely to result in a reason for refusing a planning application on this site.
Capacity (indicative)	Hodder and Partners have undertaken a feasibility study on behalf of Urban Splash and produced a design that indicates the site could accommodate circa. 750 bedspaces within two towers of 30 and 17 storeys.
Buildability, Construction Logistics and Infrastructure Capacity (limitations)	A key issue with this development is whether it is possible logistically to build it. This is given its relatively small size (and therefore constraints with regard to setting up construction compounds etc) and the ability to establish appropriate constriction site access etc in views of its adjacency on all sides to the strategic vehicular network. However, Kier – a tier 1 contractor – has undertaken an initial construction feasibility study whiic suggests that there is a deliverable plan; however this would involve some disruption: The closures of the subways, this would require alternatives routes to be agreed prior to commencement and would necessitate stopping up The inner traffic lane of the roundabout would need to be closed for the duration of the build contract and the installation of a temporary haul road and ramp (with the final location determined once more detail is ascertained) would be required. Service and drainage diversion as required. Removal of existing earth mounds and hard standings. The study indicates that a site compound would need to be formed off site adjacent to residential properties in Hulme (see diagram below) with the potential retained use of Loxford Street Subway for controlled operative access to the main site. Potential site command trees to be reinstated i
Viability Issues	Proposals will need to incorporate excellent pedestrian connections for students and for the wider public which are safe and which represent a marked improvement on the current subways. Also, there will be a need to ensure the correct/ suitable infrastructure is in place to make pedestrian and cycle connections safe, easy and attractive.
Viability Issues	The Feasibility study undertaken by Urban Splash and Hodder and Partners to determine site's capacity and also deliverability of the scheme for PBSA, would appear to suggest that there is a scheme of sufficient critical mass and land value uplift, (on a site with little existing use value) to suggest that there is a viable scheme. Distinct from the regulatory function of the Local Planning Authority, the City Council has the opportunity to utilise its land ownership to both support and influence its chosen development partner with regard to the development outcomes it would like to achieve. This should support viability whilst also ensuring that new development contributes towards its own assessment – as well as those of the Universities – with regard to the types of student accommodation that is required in the City.