The producer of an ITV thriller shot scenes for the series close to the Trafford Centre without permission from Trafford Council.
Quay Street shot scenes for After the Flood on the site of what is set to be the water park and wellness spa Therme Manchester.
The producer went to the council to ask if prior approval was needed for the filming in mid-March but, under the impression prior approval was not needed for the filming, it started at around the same time.
However, when the council came to a decision in mid-May, it said prior approval was needed and refused it as the temporary structures involved in production – such as a street scene – were in place already.
The decision reads: "The proposal fails to comply with [...] the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) which requires that the development must not begin before the occurrence of one of the following: (a) the receipt by the applicant from the local planning authority of a written notice of their determination that prior approval is not required; (b) the receipt by the applicant from the local planning authority of a written notice giving their prior approval; (c) the expiry of 56 days following the date on which the application was received by the local planning authority without the authority notifying the applicant as to whether prior approval is given or refused.
"This is due to the fact the temporary structures were erected and the use was commenced before the occurrence of any of the above requirements."
The Messenger understands there is no impact on the series as production is at an end.
A Quay Street spokesperson said: "Production received permission to build and to be on site from the landlords [Peel L&P].
"It is not unusual for temporary builds to begin whilst awaiting prior approval for planning, especially as the nature of the temporary structures met the conditions for permitted development, as advised by planning consultants."
Created by BAFTA-nominated actor and writer Mick Ford, the ITV thriller stars Sophie Rundle (Gentleman Jack and Peaky Blinders) as PC Joanna Marshall, who investigates after a man is discovered dead in the lift of a car park after a flood.
After the Flood also stars Lorraine Ashbourne (Bridgerton and Sherwood), Matt Stokoe (Bodyguard and Jamestown), Nicholas Gleaves (The Crown and Demon Headmaster) and Philip Glenister (Ashes to Ashes and Life on Mars) among others.
The filming was also in other parts of Greater Manchester and elsewhere in the North of England.
After the Flood will air on ITV in the UK and will air on BritBox International in other markets.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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