Incredible £1billion skyscraper set to transform skyline of major UK city

One of the UK's tallest-ever skyscrapers is set to get the green light to transform the skyline of one of northern England's major cities. The 78-storey high tower could stand 895ft (273m) tall in a £1bn project which could see as many as 3,300 homes being built across 10 buildings at Regent Retail Park, in Salford, Greater Manchester.

If approved, it would become the tallest building in Greater Manchester and the third tallest in the country, behind the Shard and Horizon 22, which are both in London. Conceptual images in the planning documents show the skyscraper towering over the north-west England city's skyline as one of a number of towers in the development that includes creating commercial and community space along with a new public park and 600 parking spaces.

Salford councillors are due to meet on Thursday 17th July to consider the scheme, with officials recommending its approval.

The development would be in the northern half of Salford's Regent Retail Park, near the River Irwell boundary with Manchester city centre. It would include a significant proportion of affordable housing.

But not everyone is happy with the proposals though, with more than 450 objections lodged with Salford City Council.

A protest is planned outside Salford Civic Centre ahead of the planning meeting where the application will be decided on Thursday.

Councillors in Ordsall have led a campaign against the plans, along with Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey.

They shared fears that the work would pile pressure on the existing community, cause new parking issues, and could lead to the loss of local shops.

In a letter to development bosses last year, Ms Long-Bailey said: "These plans won't help tackle the urgent need for social and affordable housing, won't help with the loss of shops, existing employment and parking, and will drastically impact Salford's skyline."

Developers Henley Investment Management said existing businesses at the retail park would be welcomed and stressed that their plans included affordable housing.

Hattie Charlier-Poole, senior development manager at Henley Investment Management said: "We are delighted that planning officers have recommended our Regent Park proposals for approval.

"This is a strong endorsement of a scheme that has been shaped through extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders, and we believe it offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a district centre that Salford can be proud of.

"We've always aimed to build more than just homes. We want to deliver a neighbourhood with real character and a sense of community, where new homes, jobs and green spaces are integrated into Ordsall.

"We look forward to the application being considered by members and to hopefully deliver a development that is truly fit for the future."

Across the River Irwell in Manchester, councillors recently approved plans by developer Salboy for a new 246m skyscraper.