Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre-application presentation for proposed residential development comprising approximately 750 apartments in buildings of between 8 and 23 storeys, open space areas, a mix of commercial units and car parking spaces on Land at Whitehall Road/Globe Road, Leeds

(Report attached)

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

pre-application presentation for proposed residential development comprising approximately 750 apartments in buildings of between 8 and 23 storeys, open space areas, a mix of commercial units and car parking spaces on Land at Whitehall Road/Globe Road, Leeds.

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

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

·  The emerging proposals were for approximately 750 residential units, ground floor commercial units, associated parking and landscaping across a development of 8 buildings up to 23 storeys in height. The residential units would be let as Private Rented Sector (PRS) and the mix is proposed to be 49% 1 bedroom units (368no); 46% 2 bedroom units (345no); and 5% 3 bedroom units (38no.). All of the units would meet the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS).

·  The applicants wished to create a new neighbourhood that would include large public open spaces, attractive pedestrian routes and a wide variety of resident’s amenity/leisure facilities and other commercial uses includes retail, café, restaurants and bars.

·  The buildings on the main portion of the site vary in height from ‘ground plus 6 storeys’ to ‘ground plus 22 storeys’. These buildings were proposed to be largely faced in brick with a defined base, middle and top and punched and recessed window openings. The two tallest buildings will be at either end of the site.

·  Vehicular access would be provided from Globe Road along a one way street that exits onto Whitehall Road. The route would include service lay-by and surface level car parking woven into and under new soft landscaping. Approximately 80 car parking spaces will be provided with significant cycle parking provision included plus car share and car clubs bays. It is proposed to include a ‘bike hub’ within the scheme that will offer residents the opportunity to hire bikes for both commuting and leisure purposes.

·  New public open space would be created within the development through a series of connected spaces plus large raised open spaces. Furthermore, it is proposed to calm the traffic on Globe Road through new attractive surfacing and changes in the character of the road and adjacent spaces to make this is a more pedestrian friendly environment. The embankment adjacent to the canal would also be enhanced with new landscaping and pedestrian access points.

·  A new ‘hub’ building was proposed on the smaller portion of the site adjacent to the canal. This hub building would have a flexible use with the focus being on leisure. The development on this part of the site would also retain a landing point for a bridge over the canal. Whereas the bridge is not proposed under this application, the development would assist in its delivery through the provision of the landing point and CIL payment could be put towards this infrastructure improvement. The CIL calculation was currently £325,000.

Members raised the following questions:

·  It would appear that 50% of the flats faced north west and may not get sufficient sunlight

·  There was a need for some definitive proposals for public transport, would it be possible to work with neighbouring developers to create best transport links

·  Would there be provision for children’s play space/ equipment and benches for older people

·  What treatments were proposed for the roofs

·  Would affordable housing be provided

In responding to the issues raised, the applicant’s representatives said:

·  The intention would be to create duel aspects for many of the flats to provide more sunlight but many of the façades would get good sunlight throughout the year

·  The CIL contribution of £325,000 would be used to create a travel plan/ enhance public transport for the area

·  Play space/ public realm was an important feature and careful consideration was been given to its design and the use of the waterside usage

·  The intention was to create roof tops terraces the residents could enjoy but an energy strategy was a fundamental feature and the use photovoltaic cells may be considered.

·  It was confirmed that affordable housing would be provided at 5%, possibly “pepper potting” the units around the development

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  Interesting scheme, like the “Olympic Village Centre look” but more pedestrian space required on the Globe Road side

·  This was a good project, it was a big site and it was good to see a variety in the size of the blocks

·  Welcome mixed use accommodation

·  Welcome the proposals for riverside usage

·  Impressive scheme and wished to see the next stage

·  One Member expressed disappointment with the layout of the scheme, the blocks appeared to be too close together and gave the impression of being “too blockish”

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

·  Members were supportive of the emerging heights and footprints of the buildings

·  Subject to further assessment/ reconsideration of the need for a footbridge, Members were supportive of the approach to public realm enhancements.

·  Members were of the view that the proposed mix of unit sizes was acceptable

·  Subject to the inclusion of an acceptable travel plan, Members were of the view that the proposed level of car parking provision was acceptable  

The Chair thanked the developers for their attendance and presentation.

RESOLVED –

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

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