Agenda and minutes

  The Chair welcomed everyone to the last City Plans Panel of the 2012/2013 Municipal Year.  He announced that this would be the last Panel meeting for Councillor Murray, who was to be the next Lord Mayor and thanked him for his contributions and any other Members who would be leaving the Panel after this meeting

  RESOLVED -  That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as designated as follows:

  The reports referred to in minutes 121 and 130 under Schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972 and the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds it contains information relating to the financial or business of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  It is considered that if this information was in the public domain it would be likely to prejudice the affairs of the applicants.  Whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, in all the circumstances of the case, maintaining the exemption is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosing this information at this time

  The Chair admitted one late item to the agenda (minute 128 refers).  The report which related to pre-application proposals at New Dock, Armouries Way, was not available at the time the agenda was despatched and required urgent consideration to enable Panel to have early sight of the proposals ahead of a formal application being submitted in late May.  A copy of the report had been circulated in advance of the meeting

  Although not formal late items, the Panel was in receipt of two supplementary reports in respect of Applications 12/03400/OT and 12/03401/OT, land at Royds Lane and Fleet Lane LS26, which set out further representations which had been received (minutes 123 and 124 refer).  These reports had been circulated in advance of the meeting

  Members were also in receipt of large scale, coloured layout plans of application 10/04597/OT – Wakefield Road Gildersome, which had been tabled by Officers (minute 120 refers)

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct

  Councillor Nash declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in application 12/01715/FU – proposals for a supermarket on land off Sandbeck Lane Wetherby LS22, through receiving a small income from the Co-op which had a small store in Wetherby (minute 122 refers)

  Councillor Leadley also declared a significant other interest as he felt it was in the public interest to do so.  This related to application 10/04597/OT – land at Wakefield Road Gildersome Morley, as he had objected to the application when it had first been submitted in 2010 (minute 120 refers)

  It was noted that Councillor P Gruen would be delayed due to attending another meeting

To approve the minutes of the City Plans Panel meetings held on 26^th March 2013 and 11^th April 2013

(minutes attached)

  RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the City Plans Panel meetings of 26^th March 2013 and 11^th April 2013 be approved

Further to minute 48 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 13^th December 2012, where Panel considered a position statement in respect of an outline application to lay out access road and erect light industry, general industry and warehouse development (use classes B1C, B2 and B8), a 115 bed hotel and pub/restaurant with car parking, to consider the formal application which includes a smaller hotel use, at 90 bedrooms

(report attached)

  Further to minute 48 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 13^th December 2012, where Panel considered a position statement for a mixed use development on land off Wakefield Road Gildersome LS27, Members considered a further report of the Chief Planning Officer setting out the formal application

  Plans, drawings and photographs were displayed at the meeting

  Officers presented the outline proposals for a mixed commercial and industrial development on land off Wakefield Road Gildersome LS27

  Members were informed that the scheme had been revised since it was last presented to Panel and that a smaller hotel – at 90 bedrooms - was proposed and that this had been achieved by reducing the footprint which also addressed some concerns which had been expressed about landscaping.  Unit 4 had also been set back by approximately 10m and the car park had been reduced to also increase the amount of landscaping within the scheme

  In terms of the principle of hotel use on the site, this had been considered and the applicant had carried out a sequential test.  Although other sequentially preferable sites had been considered these were either too small or not available.  Therefore Officers were satisfied on the principle of hotel use for this site

  Regarding access, Highways were now satisfied with the proposed junction although a Highways Agency Holding Direction remained in force until 30^th May 2013 in respect of the scope and cost of works at Junction 27.  Although the principle of the targets and penalties in the travel plan had been agreed, the latest version of the travel plan needed to be referred to Highways for consideration and if minded to approve the application, this could be attached to the S106 Agreement

  The full details of the landscaping scheme would be controlled by condition and a good scheme for the site would be essential

  In respect of public transport, it was clarified that the closest bus stop to the site was on Street Lane and that it was this stop that the public transport planning contribution would be spent on

  Minor typing errors in paragraphs 7.1, 10.3 and 10.4 of the submitted report were corrected

  Two letters of representation were reported.  One was from the resident at 69 Wakefield Road who had confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the applicant to carry out works to enable him to access his property with his caravan from the highway.  A letter had also been received from the resident at 73 Wakefield Road who had raised concerns about his access arrangements if the scheme was agreed

  If minded to approve the application, a further condition relating to sustainable construction was proposed

  Members discussed the application and commented on the following matters:

·  the principle of hotel use on the site

·  whether the Highways Agency had been consulted about the proposed warehouses

·  the high cost of the development; the filling in of a disused railway tunnel that crosses the site and the need for this in view of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

Further to minutes 105-108 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 9^th May 2013, where Members deferred deterimination of an application for a multi-level development up to 17 storeys with 609 residential apartments, commercial units (Class A1 to A5, B1,D1 and D2), car parking, associated access, engineering works, landscape and public amenity space, to consider a further report

(report attached)

  Further to minutes 105 – 107 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 11^th April 2013, where Panel considered further reports detailing the S106 contributions in respect of the proposed mixed-use development on land at Whitehall Road and Globe Road LS12, the Panel considered a further report.  A copy of the full viability assessment which had been considered at the meeting on 11^th April 2013, was also submitted, for Members’ information

  Although one report had been classed as exempt as it contained detailed financial information, the Chair advised that unless any Member wished to revisit this aspect, it was not proposed to discuss the financial viability report further and therefore the public did not need to leave the meeting

  Officers presented the report and advised Panel that an agreement had been reached with the applicant that of the £568,000 planning contribution to be made, £100,000 would be set aside to assist in the delivery of a bridge over the canal

  On the suggestion made at the last meeting that the scheme could be financially re-appraised at each phase, the applicant had been unable to agree to this but had agreed to a re-appraisal after the development was 85% occupied, with Officers recommending this be accepted by Panel

  RESOLVED -  To approve the application in principle and to defer and delegate approval to the Chief Planning Officer, subject to the conditions set out in the submitted report (and any others which he might consider appropriate) and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to cover the following:

·  Contribution of £568,000 to be spent on affordable housing, education, public transport and/or public realm improvements as considered appropriate with £100,000 set aside to assist in the delivery of a bridge over the canal

·  30 units in phase one provided as assisted purchase units

·  If the development is not implemented within 18 months of approval the scheme is to be financially re-appraised at the time of implementation and if viable, a further affordable housing contribution shall be provided in accordance with the level of viability and affordable housing policy at that time

·  An assessment of profit at 85% occupation.  If the developer’s profit exceeds 25% an additional housing contribution of 50% of the excess profits will be made up to the level required by the affordable housing policy at that time

·  Landing area for the canal footbridge

·  Travel plan measures and monitoring fee of £5,125

·  Car club contribution of £21,500

·  Local employment and training clause

·  Public access to public open space

In the circumstances where the Section 106 has not been completed within 3 months of the resolution to grant planning permission, the final determination of the application shall be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for the erection of a supermarket and associated infrastructure including car parking provision for 265 vehicles and petrol filling station

(report attached)

  Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this matter, Councillor Nash withdrew from the meeting

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

  Officers presented the report which related to an application for a supermarket with associated infrastructure, car parking and petrol filling station on land off Sandbeck Lane Wetherby LS22, a site which was surrounded by a range of uses, these being agricultural, industrial and residential as well as being in close proximity to the A1

  Members were informed that the site was allocated for employment use in the UDPR and that there was an extant outline permission for this use

  The proposals were for a 24 hour Asda supermarket which would offer 70% convenience goods and 30% comparison goods.  On-site car parking for 265 cars was proposed together with a petrol filling station.  An in-store café would be provided and an ATM.  In terms of job creation, the scheme would provide 200 full-time jobs

  In respect of public transport to the site, the applicant would fund the diversion of the X70 into the site for a period of five years, although this diversion would not run on an evening or on Sundays

  The realignment of an existing bridleway would be required and there would be some loss of trees, although there was the potential for replacement planting

  Attention was drawn to the context of the site in relation to Wetherby Town Centre and the retail offer which currently existed in the town.  Members were informed that the Morrisons supermarket was the main food retailer in the town centre; that planning permission had been granted for an extension to that store and that it acted as a focal point and anchor for the town

In terms of retail policy, Members were informed that the NPPF directed the proposed foodstore to main retail centres first and then to smaller centres.  The Council’s independent retail consultant had considered the impact of the proposed Asda store and had assessed that there would be a 30% diversion of trade from the Morrisons store, if extended; 23% diversion of trade from Wetherby Town Centre and 21% diversion of trade from the overall catchment area, with Panel being informed that this should be given significant weight when considering the application.  The remoteness of the site from Wetherby Town Centre at 1.2km away was also a factor; it was not an attractive walk from the site to the town and therefore it was unlikely to generate linked trips from the Asda store to the businesses and shops in Wetherby Town Centre

A revised travel plan had been recently submitted by the applicant but Officers had not been able to fully consider this.  Members were informed that they might wish to allow time for this to be looked at in detail or might wish to determine the application on what had been previously submitted

Members were informed that there was considerable support for the scheme,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an outline application for residential development

(report attached)

Members considered the first of two reports of the Chief Planning Officer on applications for outline planning permission for residential development on Protected Area of Search (PAS) land in the Rothwell Ward

Although each application would need to be determined on its own merits, each raised similar planning issues.  To provide some background to the applications Members received a presentation from David Newbury, Area Planning Manager

Members were informed that both sites were designated as PAS sites in the UDPR and as such were safeguarded for development in the future.  As these applications were likely to be the forerunner for other developments coming forward, these were of strategic importance

Planning permission had been refused for development on the sites in 2009 with appeals being refused by the Inspector on grounds relating to housing land supply and accessibility and sustainability.  This decision was a forerunner for the loss of 10 appeals by the Council on Phase 2 and 3 greenfield sites.  Although these sites differed as they were PAS sites, the wider context of the need to deliver large housing numbers across the city had to be considered

The new planning guidance, the NPPF, placed an urgency on the delivery of housing and to address this situation, Executive Board had approved an interim planning policy to help manage the release of sites and enable the Council to have some control over this

The key factors in the applications before Panel were housing land supply and sustainability.  The need to demonstrate a 5 year land supply was set out in national planning guidance.  Whilst Leeds City Council considered it did have this level, unless this could be demonstrated it would be difficult to resist the release of some of these sites.  In calculating the 5 year land supply a quantum of PAS sites had been allowed but individual sites had not been identified.  If a PAS site was felt to meet the interim policy, it would contribute to the 5 year supply, which would help resist development on Greenfield sites

In terms of sustainability, in 2009, the Inspector had concluded these two sites were not sustainable and there had been no significant change in circumstances regarding accessibility to and from the sites.  However, the policy context had changed and the Council had taken the decision to release Phase 2 and 3 Greenfield sites, together with selective PAS sites

On both applications there was the possibility of using the affordable housing contribution to provide much needed extra care accommodation in Rothwell and this accorded with a report considered by Executive Board about new ways of providing this facility, with S106 Agreements being part of this

The Panel then considered the application

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

Officers presented the report which sought outline permission for the principle only of residential development on a 3.7ha Greenfield site located on the fringe of Rothwell, bounded by housing and recreation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an outline application for residential development

(report attached)

  Prior to consideration of this matter, Councillors G Latty and R Procter left the meeting

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

  Officers presented the report which sought outline planning permission for the principle only of residential development on a 3.45ha PAS site on the edge of Oulton, bordered by Oulton Conservation Area and bounded on three sides by residential properties and open farm land on the fourth side which formed part of the Green Belt

  An illustrative layout was shown which indicated about 80 properties on site, mainly semi-detached dwellings but with some terraced properties and a large area of public open space which also served to mitigate against possible flooding issues.  Extra care housing provision was also being considered on this site in lieu of affordable housing

  If minded to approve the application, further conditions were proposed relating to the delivery of a travel plan, limiting the number of dwellings to no more than 80 houses, a condition relating to existing and proposed ground levels and submission and approval of finished floor levels

Reference was made to the supplementary report which detailed the

further representations which had been received.  The level of individual representations from the Oulton and Woodlesford Neighbourhood Forum was reported as being 22, but that it was felt that the additional representations did not raise significant new points

The Panel then heard representations from objectors and the

applicant’s representative.  The Chair on this occasion allowed a period of up to 4 minutes for both parties to address the Panel

Members discussed the application and commented on the following

matters:

·  whether any flats were being included on the site

·  that the developer would have been mindful of the timescales of Council discussions about housing land supply and that a precedent would be set by approving the application

·  affordable housing and that having fought for many years to achieve on-site affordable housing on developments, there appeared to be a move to accepting a commuted sum and that whilst extra care housing would be beneficial to the community, the developers were not providing anything additional in terms of contributions

·  that it would be for Panel to decide about affordable housing provision but that a review had shown that there was a great need for extra care housing in this area

·  the need for Ward Members to be consulted on the content of the S106 Agreement and for Panel to consider the package being proposed

RESOLVED  – To approve the application in principle and to defer and

delegate approval to the Chief Planning Officer, subject to the conditions set out in the submitted report, plus additional conditions relating to the delivery of a travel plan, limiting the number of dwellings to no more than 80 houses, a condition relating to existing and proposed ground levels and submission and approval of finished floor levels and the drawing up of a Section 106  Agreement to cover  ...  view the full minutes text for item 124.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for the Leeds (River Aire) Flood Alleviation Scheme – Leeds Station to Knostrop Weir

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. A ward member or a nominated community representative has a maximum of 15 minutes to present their comments. 

(report attached)

  Further to minute 59 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 17^th January 2013, where Panel approved in principle applications which would implement the first phase of the city’s Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS), Members considered pre-application proposals for the FAS from Leeds Station to Knostrop Weir.  Members considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and received a presentation on the proposals by the applicant’s consultants

  Members were informed of the extent of the protection which would be from the railway station in the city centre to Thwaites Mill and at Woodlesford and Holbeck

  The scheme would combine walls, riverside walls, landscaping and modifications to existing buildings to make them watertight, with the proposals being guided by the Design Vision and Guide

  There would be approximately 2km of linear defences, with 1200m being in the city centre.  The majority of the defences were below 1.2m in height and this was seen as a key benefit

  At Holbeck, the intention was to retain the open aspect of the area and provide a wall where there were currently railings

  At the Asda site, there would be approximately 600mm high walls  and a small city park would be incorporated opposite the city arches

  Navigation Walk was a sensitive area and 1.1m high walls were being considered at this location; these being a glazed flood wall, something which was being increasingly used to provide a defence whilst maintaining connectivity to the waterfront

  At Roberts Wharf, local ground levels would be raised whilst ensuring this was DDA compliant

  At Knostrop Cut, there would be the removal of a 600m length of Knostrop Cut to merge the canal and river.  By doing this, the extent and height of the linear defences needed would be reduced.  A section of the Transpennine Trail would need to be realigned but this would provide an opportunity to create a biodiverse area on the left bank

  At Woodlesford, a 1 – 1.3m high grassed embankment was proposed

  In terms of materials and finishes the approach was to design a flood wall specifically for its location so a range of materials such as sandstone paving, resin-bonded gravel and tegular block paving was proposed.  Where brick was used this would reflect the colour of existing brickwork and would be enhanced by glazing and glass inserts.  Wherever possible existing materials would be retained and reused.  The change of character beyond Rose Wharf to a more rural setting would also be reflected in the materials selected with resin-bonded natural stone and earth banks being envisaged

  Members commented on the following matters:

·  whether the works at Woodlesford would complement the works needed for HS2

·  that whilst less intrusive defences were welcomed, there was concern that some of these were too low and that river safety had to be considered

·  concern about the removal of part of Knostrop Cut and whether this would have an impact on the navigability of the river

·  that water turbines should be provided rather than Archimedes’ screw

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals in respect of an outline proposal for 3 office buildings, multi-storey car park and pavilion unit with ground floor food, drink and gym uses and public realm

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. A ward member or a nominated community representative has a maximum of 15 minutes to present their comments. 

(report attached)

  Plans, photographs and graphics were displayed at the meeting

  Members considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for an office-led development with multi-storey car park, pavilion unit with ground floor food, drink and gym uses and public realm on land at Whitehall Riverside, Whitehall Road, and received a presentation on behalf of the developer

  Members were informed that a previous approval for the site had been granted for office, residential and a multi-storey car park.  The proposals were to refresh the outline approval, particularly in light of the current strong market for office space of 20,000sqm and above

  Strategically, the site was an important one and this was recognised by the three pedestrian routes through the site which would connect to the river and over the proposed footbridge to Holbeck Urban Village, the Southern Station entrance and beyond

  Active frontages would be provided along Whitehall Road and at the corners of buildings.  To increase the level of activity and animation on the site, glazed lifts were proposed

  The vehicular strategy would re-use existing openings to provide an in/out access and shared surface area.  A new, separate cycle lane would be created

  The scheme provided an opportunity to create a boulevard along Whitehall Road and two garden spaces would be provided in the scheme.  A pavilion building, envisaged as a café would also be provided

  In response to the points raised in the report for Members’ consideration the following responses were provided:

·  that Members agreed that the proposed uses for the site were appropriate

·  that Members agreed that the general siting of the buildings, provision of public realm, balance of hard and soft landscaping and location of future pedestrian routes would be appropriate to create a sense of place to the Waterfront and Whitehall Road and ensure pedestrian connections linking across the site from the riverside to the rest of the Prime Office Quarter via Wellington Place to the north.   The Head of Planning Services stated there was a need to consider how the corridors worked in respect of wind

·  that in terms of heights of buildings, the Chief Planning Officer suggested that further consideration be given to this, particularly the height relationship to buildings on the other side of the road

Members welcomed the renewed interest in office development in

this location

  RESOLVED -  To note the report, the presentation and the comments now made

  During consideration of this matter, Councillor J McKenna left the meeting

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for student accommodation buildings and new external space

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. A ward member or a nominated community representative has a maximum of 15 minutes to present their comments. 

(report attached)

  Prior to consideration of this matter, Councillor S Hamilton left the meeting

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

  Members considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for student accommodation and new external space on land between Belgrave Street and St Alban’s Place, which was situated within a Prestige Development Area; with the majority of the site being identified as protected public space in the UDPR.  Members also received a presentation on behalf of the developer

  Members were informed initially about the landscaping proposals for the scheme.  Whilst the amount of public space would be reduced and existing landscaping would be removed, a considerable planting scheme, to include significant planting levels of mature trees was proposed.  The existing space which was not well used currently would be reshaped, replanted and seating provided

The site would be well connected to the surrounding area with two primary pedestrian routes existing through the site, with some widening of footpaths being proposed

In terms of the buildings, three buildings were proposed which would provide a total of 300 student bedrooms in a mix of clusters sizes together with a café, gym and small commercial unit

The proposed materials were a mixed brick palette which would provide a blend of colours, glazing and copper feature elements on the gable ends.  The Chair again raised the issue about the colour reproduction of the graphics being seen by Members, as these were not accurate

In response to the points raised in the report for Members’ consideration the following responses were provided:

·  that Members agreed the proposed location of the site for student accommodation.  The issue was raised that in view of other likely city centre student accommodation proposals, whether there should be a policy which set a cap on the amount of student accommodation in the city centre, or whether there was a mix of uses which could be considered to be appropriate, with Officers being asked to provide information to Panel Members on this.  The Chief Planning Officer advised Panel that work was being carried out on this

·  that any development proposals needed to fully mitigate for building on protected open space and for the loss of trees.  Concerns were raised about the loss of green space and whilst a quantitative improvement to the existing space was required, there should also be replacement open space provided elsewhere, (e.g. in upgrading New Briggate in front of the Grand Theatre), with concerns where that could be sited.  A plan which showed a gain to the wider area was requested

·  that Members agreed that existing pedestrian routes both within and around the site which connect with the city and surrounding areas need to be improved as part of the development and that levels need to enable access for all users

·  regarding scale and massing, there were some concerns raised about the height of the buildings and that this was a gateway site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

This report was admitted as a Late Item.  The report relates to pre-application proposals for change of use of retail and restaurant units to office, restaurant, bar and leisure uses including addition of mezzanines and external alterations at New Dock, Armouries Way LS10

  Further to minute 12 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 5^th July 2012, where emerging proposals for New Dock (formerly Clarence Dock), South Bank were presented, Members considered a further report of the Chief Planning Officer and received a presentation on behalf of the developer

  Plans, photographs and graphics were displayed at the meeting

  Members were informed of the latest thinking to revitalise the area which would include providing new work space/office accommodation; convenience shopping for residents, workers and visitors to the site; restaurants, particularly at waterside locations to maximise the benefits of this feature, the creation of a venue space to hold a range of events, exhibitions and art installations; new signage and extensive new public realm, with a series of planning applications being submitted in due course for these elements

  The work space element would see the conversion of approximately one third of the existing retail units to office accommodation which would provide contemporary interiors in an unconventional office layout

  My Street, the convenience shopping element would also provide permanent, themed gardens which would enable residents and visitors to enjoy new outdoor spaces.  In terms of landscaping, the existing trees would be retained but further landscaping would be provided to create a boulevard

  The Restaurant Boardwalk would see existing retail units being converted to form 5 family restaurants, some with permanent outdoor covered terraces.  A new route through would be created to better link the development to its wider surroundings

  The old marketing suite would be refurbished to create a focal point, with Members being shown the first draft of design proposals for this, to indicate the thinking for this building

  The new leisure venue would provide a 9,000 sq ft space which would hold events year round

  In response to the points raised in the report for Members’ consideration the following responses were provided:

·  that Members agreed that the proposed range of uses for the site were appropriate in principle

·  that Members agreed that the package of proposed refurbishment and public realm works would help to promote New Dock as a destination in its own right and generate activity that would create a catalyst that would be complementary to the South Bank and City Centre Park initiatives.  Members welcomed the interesting proposals and stressed the need for good pedestrian links being created to the city centre.  In terms of the vision for the marketing suite, concerns were raised about this, with Panel being informed that this was work in progress

RESOLVED -  To note the report, the presentation and the comments

now made

  Following consideration of this matter, Councillor P Gruen left the meeting

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer introducing pre-application proposals for alterations and change of use of Rivers House, 21 Park Square South LS1  A separate exempt report has been submitted (agenda item 17)

(report attached)

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. A ward member or a nominated community representative has a maximum of 15 minutes to present their comments. 

  Members received a report of the Chief Planning Officer introducing pre-application proposals for a change of use and alterations to Rivers House, Park Square LS1.  It was noted that the detailed report had been classed as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3)

  RESOLVED -  To note the report

With reference to agenda item 16 above, to consider a further report of the Chief Planning Officer on proposed alterations and change of use of Rivers House, 21 Park Square South LS1

(report attached)

  With reference to minute 129 above, Panel considered a report deemed as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which set out emerging proposals for Rivers House, 21 Park Square South LS1, which was situated in the City Centre Conservation Area and was surrounded by listed buildings

  Members considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer outlining the proposals and received a presentation on the scheme by the developer

  Details of the proposed alterations were outlined, which included remodelling the internal space to provide a range of offices and hub space for visitors.  Members were informed that although externally the building was impressive, internally there was little to commend it apart from the generous sized windows and some art deco stair cases

  The mansard roof which had been a later addition to the building was proposed to be removed and replaced with a glass roof which would also provide an outside courtyard café and roof top garden

  In response to the points raised in the report for Members’ consideration the following responses were provided:

·  that the proposed use of Rivers House for the use set out in the submitted report was appropriate and acceptable, with Members welcoming the potential boost to the local economy this could provide

·  that Members agreed that the design proposals were acceptable in principle and that when brought back for determination, that detailed studies of the proposed roof form, including visualisations and appropriately scaled samples were available for Members’ consideration.  The opportunity to include photo-voltaic cells on the roof was raised.  The need for a quality scheme, particularly in terms of the roof, in this sensitive location was stressed

RESOLVED -  To note the report, the presentation and the comments now made

Thursday 6^th June 2013 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds

  Thursday 6^th June 2013 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds