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)
Minutes:
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:
range of organisations involved in providing education and
employment and that the proposals could create up to 1,000 new jobs
The Panel raised the following matters:
In response to the points raised, a representative of the developer
provided the following details:
In line with the agreed protocol for speaking at pre-application
presentations, the Panel then heard from Councillor Finnigan who stated that he had also discussed the scheme with Councillor Congreve, whose ward bordered that of the site and would be providing comments on behalf of the Beeston and Holbeck Ward Members also
Members were informed that there were concerns about the proposals in respect of highways, with Dewsbury Road already experiencing significant congestion from traffic going to the WRC and that reassurances were needed that there would be no worsening of the current situation if the scheme was granted planning permission. There was also concern about parking provision and that sufficient parking would be needed to satisfy the development for visitors and staff. Public transport also had to be improved with a better drop off/pick up point being provided and a link established to the office park
In terms of the S106 agreement, there should be a continuation of the work which had been done by the WRC with local primary and high schools and that the monitoring of the S106 should be undertaken by Learning and Skills. In respect of greenspace, there was the opportunity to improve an area on the Ring Road, opposite the WRC which would help enhance the immediate setting of the centre
Regarding possible competition, Members were informed that the WRC had not competed but in fact had complemented Morley Town Centre and that it was not felt that the proposals would have a detrimental impact on other surrounding centres. Furthermore there would be the creation of much needed employment and in terms of working closely with the local community, the WRC had a track record of doing this
It was noted that several Members had left the meeting and in relation to the issues raised in the report for specific comment by Panel, the following brief comments were provided:
RESOLVED - To note the report, the presentation and the comments now made
During the presentation, Councillor Gruen and Councillor Nash left the meeting
Towards the end of the discussions on this item, Councillors Hardy, G Latty, M Hamilton and S Hamilton left the meeting
Supporting documents: