Agenda and minutes

Councillor McKenna informed the meeting that he would have to leave at 4.00 p.m. and sought a nomination for someone to Chair the meeting following his departure.  A nomination was made on behalf of Councillor Caroline Gruen.

RESOLVED – That Councillor C Gruen take over the Chair following the departure of Councillor J McKenna.

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-

There was no exempt information.

There were no late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

There were no declarations.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor R Finnigan.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 23 February 2023

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for a hybrid planning application at Land South of Whitehall Road, consisting of full planning application for 12 storey office building with Use Class E at ground level (comprising ground plus 11 storeys plus plant) and 14 storey multi-storey car park (MSCP) with Use Class E at ground level (comprising ground plus 13 storeys) and internal infrastructure works and landscaping.

Outline application for 8/1 storey office building/hotel/aparthotel (comprising ground plus 7 storeys and plant for office or ground plus 9 storeys and plant for hotel/aparthotel) and further 11 storey office building comprising ground plus 10 storey plus plant) including means of access & scale to be considered

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented a hybrid application consisting of a Full Application for 12 storey office building with Use Class E at ground level (comprising ground plus 11 storeys plus plant) and 14 storey multi-storey car park (MSCP) with use Class E at ground level (comprising ground plus 13 storeys) and internal infrastructure works and landscaping.

Also Outline Application for 8/11 story office building/hotel/aparthotel (comprising ground plus 7 storeys and plant for office or ground plus 9 storeys and plant for hotel/aparthotel) and further 11 storey office building (comprising ground plus plant) including means of access & scale to be considered.

Members attended the site prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the applications.

The following was highlighted:

·  The site was a key brownfield site within the city centre boundary that had been undeveloped for a number of years.

·  The proposals would provide opportunity for further investment into the city centre.

·  A residential scheme had been approved at the site in December 2022.

·  There would be landscape improvements along Whitehall Road and Riverside Way and enhanced connections through the site.

·  A pre-application presentation had been made in January 2022 when Members were generally supportive of the scale and layout, access and landscaping proposals.

·  Full applications has been submitted for Block 2 which would be an office building and Block 5 which was the proposed multi-storey car park.

·  Outline applications for scale and access had been submitted for Block 4 (Aparthotel) and Block 9 (Office accommodation).

·  The building heights would be from 8 to 14 storeys and followed a similar pattern to the development at Wellington Place.

·  The proposed distance between buildings was felt appropriate for city centre development.

·  Improvements to landscaping included widened footpaths and cycle routes; planting and improved connections.  There would also be improvements to the semi circle area at Whitehall Waterfront including a riverside park and areas for play.

·  Façade development and proposed materials were displayed for Block 2 along with typical floor plans.  There would be a commercial space on the ground floor, cycle parking and a roof terrace.

·  CGI images of the proposed Blocks 2 and 5 were displayed.

·  The Multi-Storey Car Park would have solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.  There would be 478 spaces and would be mainly used for employees of the office accommodation with some short stay public spaces.

·  Samples of materials to be used were made available for inspection.

·  CGI images of the development showing natural surveillance provided by ground floor commercial units.

·  There had been a reduction in the proposed height of Block 9 to reflect that of the Whitehall Waterfront buildings.

·  The proposals were considered to be a positive addition to the regeneration of a brownfield site that had not been in use for many years.  There had been a detailed design process since the pre-application stage including enhancements to key routes in and out of the city centre.  The applications were recommended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a hybrid planning application for Full planning permission

for construction of 15 storey residential building providing 451 dwellings (Use Class C3) and ground floor commercial space (Use Classes E (a, b, c, d, e and f) and Sui Generis (drinking establishment)), 8 storey office building (Use Class E(g), pavilion building (Use Class E (b, c and d), partial demolition and extension to existing public house, landscaping, access road and other associated works; Outline application for mixed use development comprising a maximum of 900 dwellings (Use Class C3), a maximum of 7,000sqm of office space (Use Class E (g) and a maximum of 200sqm of commercial floorspace (Use Classes E (a, b, d, e and f) and Sui Generis (drinking establishment)) at Sweet Street West, Holbeck

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented a hybrid application which included full planning application for construction of a 15 storey residential building providing 451 dwellings (use Class C3) and ground floor commercial space (Use Classes E (a,b,c,d,e and f) and Sui Generis (drinking establishment)) 8 storey office building (Use Class E (g), pavilion building (Use Class E (b, c and d), partial demolition and extension to existing public house, landscaping, access road and other associated works and outline application for mixed use development comprising a maximum of 900 dwellings (Use Class C3), a maximum of 7,000 sqm of office space (Use Class E (g) and a maximum of 200 sqm of commercial floorspace (Use Classes E (a,b,d,e and f) and Sui Generis (drinking establishment)).

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

The following was highlighted in relation to the applications:

·  There had been a permission granted for the site in 2007 for a high density residential, office and business scheme.  This had now lapsed.

·  The site was allocated in the site allocation plan and was flagged as a key generation site.

·  The former library building was just outside the building and was now used as an office.  The current occupier of the building had made objections regarding drainage and the impact of the proposed office building.

·  It was proposed that there would be 1,351 dwellings, 20,000 sqm of office space and associated communal and commercial space.

·  Pre-application proposals had been submitted in 2021.

·  The RESI 1 building would contain 451 dwellings and would range in height from 6 storey to 15 storey. Detailed façade treatments were displayed.

·  The Commercial Public House would be refurbished with modest side and rear extensions.

·  The pavilion building would house a cafe, gymnasium and workspace for local residents.

·  The Office 1 building would be up to 8 storeys with  basement car parking.  The relationship with the former library building was shown.

·  Landscaping – there would be a substantial buffer alongside the railway and tree lined boulevard along Sweet Street West.  There would be 213 new trees planted to replace the 71 lost at the standard ratio of 3:1.

·  Wind mitigation features.

·  Public open space would be 25% of the site area and the applicant was willing to pay a commuted sum towards any shortfall of the requirement.

·  There would be a public square to the rear of the public house and pavilion buildings.

·  There were proposed to be green roof spaces for the use of building occupiers.

·  All highways matters had been resolved.  There would be interim access measures during the first phase of the development.

·  The scheme had been to City Plans Panel twice before and was felt to be compliant and recommended for approval.

·  There were some outstanding issues as the scheme could not deliver all policy requirements and remain viable.

·  There were significant highways improvements which included £896k to remodelling and enhancement of Bath Road, £368k to the City Centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a pre-application presentation for proposed demolition of existing building and construction of 10 storey purpose built student accommodation block

The report of the Chief Planning Officer informed Members of a pre-application presentation of proposed demolition of existing building and construction of 10 storey purpose built student accommodation block at land at 76 York Street, Leeds.

Members attended the site prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the presentation.

The applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  There had been pro-active work with planning officers during the pre-application stage.

·  The current vacant two storey building on the site was last used as a night club.

·  Brick Street was closed at the junction with York Street.

·  The area was in a commercial area and close to the city bus station.

·  A full redevelopment was proposed with a 10 storey student accommodation building.  The height had been reduced following discussion with planning officers.

·  The proposals would take the pressure off private housing for student use.

·  The site was accessible to the universities by sustainable travel modes.

·  There would be 121 fully furnished studio units all compliant with space standards.

·  There would be external and internal communal spaces.

·  Servicing arrangements – these had been agreed with the neighbouring medical practice and access would remain for Network Rail.  Student drop off bays would be available.

·  The applicant had discussed building issues with Network Rail.

·  The proposed siting of the building had been moved further away from the viaduct at the request of Network Rail.

·  CGI images of how the proposed building would appear were displayed.

·  Floor plans were displayed.  All studios were over 20 metres squared and ensuite.

·  There was generous amenity space with a gym, communal spaces and roof terraces.

·  There would be opportunity for some soft landscaping.

In response to questions and comments from the Panel. Discussion included the following:

·  Concern due to the undeveloped nature of the area and safety issues walking from the city centre.  It was reported that there were would be further development as there were other consented schemes and applications in the area.  There would also be natural surveillance with how the building would be developed.

·  The design was suitable within the constraints of the site.

·  Concern regarding the location of drop off and pick up points.

·  Could front entrance area be designed to protect people from passing cyclists.

·  Concern that an outdoor seating area could attract anti-social behaviour.

·  Concern that the area was not suitable for student accommodation.

·  Could work be done to the underside of the bridge and surrounds.

·  The applicant would be wiling to address any safety concerns.  There had been a previous permission for a backpackers hostel to be developed at the site.  This permission had now lapsed.  There was other activity in the area with the adjacent medical centre and bus stops.

·  The development would contribute towards the improvement of the area.

·  The design was good but it was questioned whether this would be suitable for student accommodation at the current time.

·  The area was in need of redevelopment but there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

Thursday, 20 April 2023 at 1.30 p.m.

Thursday, 20 April 2023 at 1.30 p.m.