Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre application proposal for residential development at East Street, Bow Street and Ellerby Road, Leeds.

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of a

Pre-Application proposal for residential development at East Street, Bow Street and Ellerby Road, Leeds

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

The applicant’s representative addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  The proposal was for residential development on vacant brownfield land between East Street, Bow Street and Ellerby Road, at the eastern edge of Leeds City Centre

·  The site consists of two parcels of vacant land either side of Bow Street. The smaller site is located to the west of Bow Street and bounded by East King Street, and lies within the designated City Centre. The larger site to the east of Bow Street lies outside the designated City Centre. The total site area is 0.91 hectare.

·  The larger site lies partially within the Eastern Riverside Conservation Area, and new development at both sites would be within the setting of the following listed buildings: Grade I St.Saviour’s Church, Grade II* Mount St. Mary’s Church, Grade II St. Saviour’s Sunday School,

Grade II Rose Wharfe and Grade II East Street Mills

·  The larger site rises in level by approximately 12 metres between East Street and Ellerby Road

·  The north western part of the larger site is designated as greenspace, as part of the adjoining Bow Street Recreation Ground

·  The proposal is for a total of 340 flats, made up of 169 one-bedroom flats, 159 two-bedroom flats, and 12 three-bedroom flats

·  Scheme would comprise of four blocks split across the two parts of the site ranging in height from 7 to 9 storeys

·  Key views would be retained

·  113 car parking spaces were proposed within the courtyard and undercroft, accessed off Bow Street

·  Approximately 1300sqm on-site amenity space would be provided as a useable landscaped terrace at the northern part of the site

·  The proposed flat sizes would meet the Nationally Described Space Standard

·  Gym/ Café use was proposed on the ground floor of block C

·  Applicants were seeking a relaxation of the normal planning obligations including for affordable housing for financial viability reasons. Officers advised that the viability information was being considered. Members were not being asked to comment on this aspect at this stage

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

·  Further details about car parking arrangements were required

·  There was a desire to see improved connectivity across East Street, consider the possibility of a crossing facility

·  Consideration should be given to a possible green link between the proposed landscaped terrace and the Bow Street Recreation Ground

·  East Street deserves higher standard of design, the scheme needs to be more imaginative

·  Further consideration and information on the inter-relationship between the different blocks was necessary and the relationship of the blocks to the street, with consideration to be given to a landscaped buffer to the street frontages.

·  Consideration should be given to widening the pavements along East Street

·  Consider the possible use of street trees

·  Explore the siting of a mini supermarket on the ground floor of block C

·  Consideration needs to be given for employment opportunities for local people

·  There was a suggestion that more electric vehicle charging points be provided

·  Information was required on the distribution of the different unit types through the site and how air quality and noise matters would be addressed

In drawing the discussion to a conclusion Members provided the following feedback;

·  Members were supportive of the principle of residential use, but more detail was required on the mix  and quality of accommodation 

·  Members were supportive of the proposed scale of the development, however, more information on the detailed design was required and further consideration of the inter-relationship between the different blocks was necessary, together with consideration of green buffers to the street and green links through the site

·  Members were supportive of the emerging amenity space, public realm and landscaping design principles

·  Further clarification was required in respect of parking; vehicular access and pedestrian connectivity to the city centre and over the river, consider crossing facilities on East Street to bus stops on the south side of East Street.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the details contained in the pre-application presentation

(ii)  That the developers be thanked for their attendance and presentation.