Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of an application to extend the existing park and ride site to include approx. 550 additional car park spaces and new 2 way road with associated controlled/ uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points to the north of Leeds United Football Club is also proposed providing a link between Bobby Collins Way and Lowfield Road At Elland Road Park and Ride Phase 3, Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds. LS 11 8TU

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of an application to extend the existing park and ride site to include approximately 550 additional car park spaces and new 2 way road with associated controlled/ uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points to the north of Leeds United Football Club. There was also a proposal to provide a link between Bobby Collins Way and Lowfield Road at Elland Road Park and Ride Phase 3, Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 8TU

Members visited the site prior to the meeting. Site photographs and plans were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

Planning Officers together with the applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  Site/ location/ context

·  Site layout

·  The proposal (Phase 3) increasing the Park and Ride facility from 800 spaces to 1352 spaces (an increase of 552 spaces)

·  The construction of a two-way link road between Bobby Collins Way and Lowfields Road

·  Circulation of vehicles

·  Bus access/ access arrangement

·  Flood risk

Members raised the following questions:

·  How would the proposed access off the M621 be controlled for buses only

·  Were there any proposals to improve the landscaping/ appearance around the site.

·  Where was the disabled parking located.

·  The electric vehicle charging points were they signposted, were they sufficient in number (11) and were they “trickle or rapid charge”

·  What would the arrangements be for matchday parking for Elland Road Stadium

·  Where would toilet facilities be provided

In responding to the issues raised, the applicant’s representative and council officers said:

·  Members were informed that access for buses would be controlled by the use of an automated bus gate. Enforcement cameras would also be operational for unauthorised access 

·  Members were informed that landscaping (including the provision of Birch Trees) would be introduced around the car parking areas and road edges. It was reported that control could also be exercised over replacement surfacing materials to ensure they were more visually pleasing. Full details would be controlled by planning condition

·  Members were informed that disabled parking was located near the main building together with Blue Badge parking

·  Members were informed that the electric vehicle charging points were signposted and they were visible from the access points. In terms of adequate numbers it was reported that the infrastructure was already in place if further charging points were considered necessary. The Section Head, Legal Services informed Members that an amendment was required to the existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the Park and Ride facility to take account of the time limit for electric vehicle charging points.

·  Matchday parking arrangements for Elland Road Stadium would not be affected by the proposals

·  There were existing toilet facilities at the bus terminal building

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  Members were supportive of the application

In summing up the Chair thanked all parties for their attendance and contributions suggesting Members appeared to be supportive of the application.

RESOLVED – That the application be approved subject to the conditions specified in the submitted report