Agenda and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

  Although there were no formal late items, the Panel was in receipt of the following additional information which had been provided during the site visits:

• Application 12/03402/FU – Land at Grimes Dyke – a plan showing the layout of the proposed scheme (minute 23 refers)
• Preapp 12/00749/ - White Rose Shopping Centre – a graphic showing the existing site with an overlay of the proposed development (minute 25 refers)

  The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.  Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

  There were no declarations made during the meeting

To receive apologies for absence (If any)

  The Chair noted that it would be necessary for several Members to leave the meeting before its conclusion due to their attendance at other Council meetings

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27^th September 2012

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED - To approve the minutes of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 27^th September 2012 subject to the following amendments:

  Minute 8 – Trinity West Shopping Centre

  That ‘ Councillors Nash and  Campbell wished it to be recorded that they voted against the recommendation and that Councillor Leadley abstained from voting ‘ be amended to read ‘ Councillor Leadley and Councillor Campbell wished it to be recorded that they voted against the recommendation and that Councillor Nash abstained from voting’

  Minute 9 – Position Statement Energy from waste facility, Cross Green Industrial Estate

  That ‘ The view expressed that it was not suitable for laying concrete on tarmac ….’ be amended to read ‘ The view expressed that it was not suitable for laying tarmac on concrete …’

  With reference to minute 9 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 27^th September 2012, the Chief Planning Officer confirmed that the proposed visit for Panel Members to Energy from Waste facilities in Sheffield and Mansfield had been arranged for 23^rd November

  In relation to the same minute, the need for Legal Services to provide information to the Panel on matters which could properly be taken into account when making a decision on the application in view of a contract for the incinerator having already been signed, was reiterated

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer which provides a position statement on an application to erect a 6 storey Data Centre with car parking on land of the former Yorkshire Chemicals Site, Blackbull Street, Hunslet, Leeds 10

(Report attached)

  Further to minute 36 of the Plans Panel City Centre meeting held on 30^th August 2012 where Panel considered a pre-application presentation for a data centre, Panel considered a position statement on the proposals

Plans, graphics, including night views, artist’s impressions and sample materials were displayed at the meeting

  Officers presented the report which related to proposals for a 6 storey data centre on land which had formed part of the Yorkshire Chemicals site

  Members were informed that the site provided key connections from the proposed city park and New Dock and would provide the first phase of development of the site

  The building would comprise two main data halls clad in random patterned zinc which would be linked by a glazed element; cooling plant would be sited at the top of the building.  Members were informed that revisions had made been to the elevations since it was last considered by Members

  In terms of connectivity, pedestrian routes from the site to the proposed city park would be provided which included a new pedestrian crossing to Crown Point Road; the upgrading of an existing crossing in the area and widening of the footway for the full length of the site.  Vehicular access to the site would be from Cudbear Street.  To enhance the immediate area, tree planting would be provided

  The Panel was informed of an objection to the scheme which had been received from Carlsberg which related to the height of the building; the effect of daylight and sunlight to the north; concern about wind generation; noise from the cooling plant and that the building did not respond to wider connections

  Members were informed that the proposed height was similar to buildings in the area and that in respect of concerns about light, the applicant’s architect would be asked to provide further information on this

  Regarding wind generation, it was stated that a wind assessment had not been included in the information supporting the application as the building did not meet the criteria for providing such an assessment

  In terms of noise, an assessment was being considered by the Council’s Environmental Protection Team, with further information on this to be submitted

  Concerning connectivity, Officers were of the view that the new and enhanced crossing points to be provided as part of the scheme would allow onward connection to the City Centre

Members commented on the following matters:

• the colour of the proposed cladding, with a mix of views on the most appropriate colour for this
• that the workshop proposed at the August meeting to discuss the scheme in depth had not been convened
• the sustainability of the building and the possible use for the heat generated by the building
• the importance of the visual appearance of the building from Black Bull Street
• concern about the absence of a wind assessment and to note that Members had raised the consequences of wind from the development and had been informed that it was the view of Officers that this was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer which provides a position statement on an application to erect a four storey office development with basement car parking and landscaping to land off Sovereign Street, Leeds 1

(Report attached)

  Plans, graphics and sample materials were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had been undertaken earlier in the day

  Officers presented a position statement for a four storey office development with basement car parking and landscaping on land off Sovereign Street and Pitt Row LS1, identified as site A, in the Sovereign Street Development Site Framework

  Members were informed that the development was for the new Leeds Headquarters of KPMG, which if approved, would see the company relocating from their existing premises on Neville Street.  The Chief Planning Officer stressed the importance to the commercial health of the city of KPMG’s decision to remain in Leeds

  The building would be predominantly glazed with elevations to Sovereign Street, Pitt Row and the proposed new public greenspace -  Sovereign Square -.  The main pedestrian access would be from Sovereign Street, with servicing off Pitt Row.  As the site was within flood risk zone 2, the entrance floor level would be raised by 1 metre

  A BREEAM Excellent rating was being sought for the building which would see the use of air source heat pumps and the provision of a sedum roof.  In addition, solar shading would be provided through the inclusion of brise soleil and angled facades

  Members were informed that in developing the site, it would be necessary to remove the 13 semi-mature Norway Maple trees and 1 Cherry Tree as whilst they were currently in good condition, their long-term future was poor as the compacted hardstanding around the trees had damaged their roots

  Members discussed the proposals and commented on the following matters:

• the funding for the bridge over the River Aire and concerns that this development did not make a contribution towards it
• the possibility of saving some of the existing trees on the site
• whether glare from the building would be controlled and the possibility of light pollution from the building
• that KPMG’s decision to remain in Leeds was welcomed and that it showed there was confidence in the city
• the importance of the roof top plant not detracting from the overall appearance of the building and the need for detailed information to be provided on this element as the roof of the building would be seen by occupiers of adjacent premises
• the importance of siting the correct species of trees to suit their location, with the possibility of willow trees being considered for the site if the water table was high enough
• that the building was well designed but the greenspace was problematic and that although they were two individual applications, it was difficult to separate them

Officers provided the following responses

• that Executive Board had committed the contributions from the development of site A to the adjacent greenspace and that work was being undertaken on an alternative funding mechanism for the city park and the bridge
• regarding retention of the trees, there was the possibility of some replanting on Pitt Row but realistically due to the damage sustained to the tree roots, it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer which provides a position statement on an application for the change of use from car park to public realm and amenity space, to include paving, water feature, drainage, exterior lighting and associated soft landscaping works to land off Sovereign Street, Leeds 1

(Report attached)

  Further to minute 14 of the Plans Panel City Centre meeting held on 5^th July 2012 where Panel received a pre-application presentation on proposals for the creation of a new green space in the city centre, Members considered a position statement on the proposals.  Plans and graphics were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Officers presented the report and stated that the intention was for most of the site to be delivered alongside the construction of the new KPMG building, although some temporary landscaping might be necessary to building plots B and C where proposals were not at an advanced stage

  Members were informed that it was hoped that the development of the public amenity space and the adjoining building plots would act as a catalyst for better utilisation of the Dark Arches

  The Panel discussed the proposals and commented on the following matters:

• the design of the scheme; that it contained raised areas with concerns that this was not child-friendly and also created areas where rubbish could accumulate
• the emphasis on Yorkstone for the seating; the need to consider other materials, possibly timber and to include actual seating in the scheme, rather than the raised areas which were proposed, with consideration being given to including alcoves, to allow for greater use of the space, i.e. through outdoor meetings
• disappointment that the views expressed by Members at the meeting in August had not seemed to have been taken into account and that the opportunity to design an all-encompassing inviting public space had not been taken
• the retention of raised beds in the scheme when Members had indicated they did not wish these to be included and the difficulty in properly maintaining raised grassed areas
• the success of Park Square, particularly in the summer and the need to consider the elements of that scheme which led to its popularity, when considering the design of this space
• that the site seemed smaller than when the proposal was first muted; that there was too much paving; the buildings encroached on the greenspace; that what was being proposed was not good enough and did not complement the quality of the proposed KPMG building
• that improved planting needed to be provided; that more grass should be included in the overall scheme and thought should be given to structural planting, e.g. grouped box balls and pleached hornbeams
• the importance of the water feature in the overall scheme; the need for it to be properly maintained and some concerns about safety, especially for young children and people walking through the area late at night
• that the new urban greenspace had to live up to the Council’s ambitions for it and that the proposals as presented did not do that
• the Council’s commitment to creating a child-friendly city and the feeling that this space fell short of that
• the possibility of reorienting plot C and the creation of temporary landscaping on plots B and C, with mixed views  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer which provides a position statement on an application for the erection of 364 dwellings, with ancillary retail and community facilities on land at Grimes Dyke, off York Road, Whimoor, Leeds

(Report attached)

  Plans, photographs and drawings were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Officers presented a position statement on proposals for a major residential development on land at Grimes Dyke off York Road Whinmoor.  It was noted that the site was a Phase 2 housing allocation and that there was an extant outline planning permission on the site for circa 500 dwellings which had been granted on appeal, following refusal of planning permission by the Council

  The site would provide connections to another major scheme, known as the Northern Quadrant but could be brought forward in its own right

  Details of the topography of the site were provided with a key feature of the site being the presence of strong hedgerow boundaries around and across the site which, where possible, would be enhanced by additional planting.  Members were informed that some of the trees on the site were covered by TPOs.  A number of greenspace areas were proposed, one to the east, which would also include a flood attenuation basin, an area to the York Road frontage, a more formal urban park to the west and a number of green areas running alongside the retained hedgerows

  The current full planning application was for 364 dwellings in a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom detached, semi-detached and terrace properties, together with a gateway block of flats and ancillary and retail and community facilities.  The majority of the dwellings would be of two storeys in height although there were some two and a half storey and three storey properties.  Some concerns had been raised about the height of the proposed two and a half storey properties adjacent to the north west boundary and further discussions on this would take place with the applicants

  Two developers would be on site and whilst there were some differences in the design of the properties they would be traditional in appearance

  One issue which had been raised was the inclusion of rear access ways and that Officers had asked for these to be deleted from the scheme in view of the problems these could cause.  Concerns also existed about the inclusion of parking courts and discussions were ongoing on this matter in order to seek a resolution.  Officers had also provided the applicants with initial comments on the detailed design of the buildings and landscape quality

  Regarding the planning obligations Members were informed that the scheme granted permission on appeal provided for affordable housing at a level of 30%.  Since that time an interim affordable housing policy requiring a level of 15% affordable housing had been introduced and this is what was being proposed for this scheme.  The build out period for the scheme would be 5 to 6 years and whilst Officers were seeking to optimise the level of affordable housing to be provided over that time, the applicants had stated there were potential viability issues as the cost of the access and education contributions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer and to receive a

pre-application in relation to proposed extensions to the White Rose Shopping Centre, to provide up to 17,505M² of development (Comprising 9178M² of A1 retail development (Including 1870M² of back-of-house storage accommodation), 2321M² of A3/A5 catering units and 4136M² cinema (D2) use) at the White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road, Morley, Leeds.

This is a pre-application presentation and no formal decision on the development will be taken, however it is an opportunity for Panel Members to ask questions, raise issues, seek clarification and comment on the proposals at this stage. There is no opportunity for public speaking about the proposals outlined in the presentation.

(Report attached)

   Plans, graphics and photographs were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  The Panel considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for extensions to the White Rose Centre (WRC) and received a presentation on behalf of the applicants

  Members were informed this would be a significant scheme and because of the location of the site, there could also be implications for neighbouring authorities

  There would be 3 main elements to the scheme, these being an extension to the Primark unit, an extension to the Debenhams unit and the creation of a multiplex cinema, with up to 12 screens, with additional retail and catering outlets, with all of the development taking place on existing car parking on site

  To mitigate against the loss of 670 car parking spaces, raised areas of decked car parking would be provided, with a total loss of car parking spaces being 170.  Members were informed that discussions were ongoing in respect of the design of the decked car parking

  Members were informed that there was an extant permission for 2,000 sqm of additional retail space at the centre

  In terms of the main issues the following were highlighted:

·  that the site was not within a designated centre and that the developer

was in the process of drawing up a sequential test and assessment which would be considered as part of the formal application

·  the proposed three additional A1 units could have an impact on

smaller centres, including Morley

·  that the two main extensions were to retail units which also had a

presence in the city centre and that assurances that the proposals would not have an adverse effect on vitality and viability of existing centres

·  the introduction of the cinema use and whether this would generate

new trips to the centre in its own right

·  public transport issues, with a public transport hub being proposed

·  the possibility of the creation of a pedestrian link from the adjacent  White Rose Office Park to the bus station

·  design issues, particularly in respect of the Primark extension and the decked parking

·  S106 issues relating to public transport contributions; greenspace and local employment

The Panel then received a presentation on behalf of the developers and

received the following information:

• that the application would give the opportunity to invest further in an existing asset; that the WRC was seen as a community asset with much support being given to local events and community projects, as well as providing a source for local employment, with over 40% of those employed at the WRC living locally
• the proposals would help address some of the problems of deprivation which existed around the site and that the leisure and retail jobs which would be created through the scheme would be of benefit to local residents.  Aligned to this, the WRC had established good links with a

range of organisations involved in providing education and

employment and that the proposals could create  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

Thursday 22^nd November 2012 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds

  Thursday 22^nd November 2012 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds