Decision details

To agree proposals for the development of a Leeds Standard for quality housing in the city.

Further to Minute No. 20, 25^th June 2014, the Director of Environment and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which sought to provide a way forward for improving residential design throughout Leeds in order to ensure that the Council achieved both quality and quantity in the delivery of new houses in Leeds through the development of linked activities brought together to form the “Leeds Standard”.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, officers provided the Board with information regarding how the ‘Leeds Standard’ would look to improve the quality of units provided by private developers. In addition, the Board also received information on the methods by which the provision, quality and development of greenspace could be maximised in the communities.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That officers be requested to prepare clarification of the ‘Neighbourhoods for Living’ guidance for residential design in Leeds, focusing on external design issues such as streets, spaces and architecture, layout and character, in line with the principles outlined within the submitted report in order to enable the Council as the Local Planning Authority to influence the delivery of high quality housing growth;

(b)   That the summary/review of existing local policy and guidance under the three themes of the ‘Leeds Standard’: Design Quality and Liveability, Space Standards and Sustainable design and construction, be noted;

(c)   That the progress made on the delivery of the Council Housing Growth Programme, including the development of the Leeds Standard be noted, together with the next stages of the programme and proposed procurement approach to support the adoption of the Leeds Standard through the construction of new council housing;

(d)   That the Director of City Development be requested to consider the required resources to support this approach to the delivery of quality housing growth, together with the key planning and design issues following the Farrell Review of architecture and the built environment;

(e)   That the proposed consultation exercise with developers, providers and others in the housing industry on the clarifications to Neighbourhoods for Living, be approved.

Meetings with Executive Members and Director of Environment and Housing; further consultation will take place with developers, providers and other interested groups and via the Housing Advisory Board 9th September and a range of Registered Tenant Group meetings.

Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Personnel

Developers and providers via the Housing Advisory Board

Registered Tenant Groups