Agenda item

To receive and consider an attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for the redevelopment of former halls of residence site comprising 4 storey residential care home, 3 blocks of 54 flats, 2 blocks of 14 townhouses, conversion of stables to detached house with landscaping and public open space and a conservation area application to demolish former student halls of residence and 11-13 Heathfield Terrace.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer introduced an application for the demolition of 11-13 Heathfield Terrace and redevelopment of former halls of residence site comprising 4 storey residential care home of 46 apartments (C2 Use class), 3 blocks of 54 flats, 2 blocks of 13 townhouses, conversion of stables to detached house with landscaping and public open space at Tetley Hall, Burton Crescent, Headingley.

The application had been brought to the Panel due to the history of the site, scale of the development and high level of local interest on the proposal.  The scheme had been presented to Panel as a pre-application in April 2011, and Members had visited the site.  Broadly, the scheme had been well received and the Panel had been pleased with the revised layout and design approach.

Members were shown plans and photographs of the site.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

• The proposals had been reduced from 169 units to 114.  There had also been a reduction in the number of parking spaces from 114 to 100.
• There was a commitment from the developer to introduce a build out scheme on Manor Road to allow parallel parking.
• Proposals to remove trees.
• Highways plans, including footpath widening.
• Provision of affordable housing.

A representative of the Far Headingley Village Society addressed the Panel with objections regarding the application.  These included the following:

• An unacceptable loss of public open space.
• The height, density and spatial positioning of proposed buildings.
• It was felt that the scale was contrary to the Neighbourhood Design Statement and the Conservation Area and needed further scaling down.
• It was requested that the Panel refuse the application and it be deferred for further scaling down.
• Concern regarding the heights of blocks J and K.

The applicants representative addressed the meeting.  The following issues were highlighted:

• The scheme had been re-designed following consultation with officers, the public and Ward Members.
• The new design aimed for minimum disruption to greenspace.
• The scheme would be specifically aimed at couples and elderly residents.
• With reference to concerns regarding building heights, it was reported that Block J would be 27 metres from the nearest property and this was felt to be acceptable.

Further to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• The development would open up greenspace to the public that was previously private land.
• Concern as to whether car parking would be adequate.
• Issues relating to affordable housing.
• Concerns regarding the provision of social housing and school provision in the area.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That approval be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer subject to the conditions specified in the report and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement within 3 months of the date of resolution unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Chief Planning Officer and to include obligations as outlined in the report.

(2)  That the granting of Conservation Area consent for the demolition of Tetley Hall and 11-13 Heathfield Terrace be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer in accordance with conditions outlined in the report.