Agenda item

To receive a report of the Chief Planning Officer detailing proposed redevelopment of tower works, globe road, Leeds, comprising offices, residential accommodation, supporting a1, a2, a3, a4 and d1 uses and public open space.

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out a proposed redevelopment of tower works, Globe Road, Leeds, comprising offices, residential accommodation, supporting a1, a2, a3, a4 and d1 uses and public open space.

Site photographs and plans were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

The Panel were informed that an objection had been received from a local resident via Councillor Nash which related to the scale of the proposed buildings and their impact on views of the existing listed towers which will remain as part of the new development.

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

• A travel plan had been agreed with highways;
• The Victorian Society had welcomed the development proposals although felt that the western side of the development appeared to be too high;
• An application had now also been received for the development of the Engine House;
• If approved construction work on site would be likely to commence in  June 2016;
• That the Giotto Tower would remain the tallest structure on the site;
• All materials used would reflect the industrial history of the site.

Representatives of the developer, Carillion Ltd were in attendance to answer any questions Members had.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

• The type and style of material to be used, Members felt it was important to reflect the industrial heritage of the site but also to ensure that the materials did not appear dull;
• The history of the site and the previous planning consents that had been granted and how these compared to the current application;
• The possibility of a bus service to the site which depended on future demand;
• When the three phases would commence and how long it would take to deliver the completed work. The developer confirmed that it was anticipated that by 2020 all phases to the development would be completed;
• Due to the importance of the site to the City, Members sought assurance on the quality of the design and materials to be used. Members also felt that the proposed public spaces should incorporate a significant amount of greenery;
• Parking on site and the provision for car club bays were considered. It was confirmed there would be one car club vehicle on site and 28 spaces in total;
• Access to the development was considered and it was confirmed that this had been addressed. It was noted that the aim of the developer was to create a pedestrian focused development;
• The risk of the site flooding was taken into account, the developer considered that the site was designed to withstand a 1:100 year flood event. It was proposed that water would be drained safely into the Hol Beck and that water could be stored on site;
• In terms of light from the development causing visual problems for train drivers it was confirmed that the light from the development would not be dazzling;
• Members noted that the size of the residential properties seemed to be good; and
• The Community Infrastructure Levy liability was considered and it was noted by Members that the Executive Board had agreed to 15% of the total CIL contributions generated within an area committee to be available to be spent locally by the relevant area committee.

Members welcomed the development and liked the materials as shown on the plans.

In discussion with the Principal Regeneration Officer Members agreed that if possible it would be good to see the listed chimneys being used in some form as part of the development.

RESOLVED To defer and delegate to the Chief Planning Officer for

approval subject to the specified conditions identified in Appendix 2 of the submitted report  (and any others which he might consider appropriate) and also the completion of a Section 106 agreement to include the following obligations:

• The provision of 9 affordable housing units equivalent to 5% of the total number of units;

• £20,000 for implementing traffic control measures to be provided in the event that on-street parking problems arise as a result of the development

• Compliance with agreed Green Travel Plan measures and a review fee of

£7,100;

• Provision of cycle hire facility within the scheme;

• 1 car club space to be provided within the site and £25,000 contribution

covering incentives and membership for businesses and residents;

• £30,000 only if a bus service is operational on Globe Road or Water Lane within 10 years of first occupation of the first phase;

• 24 hour public access through the site;

• Local employment and training initiatives;

• Section 106 management fee (£2250). 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.