Agenda and minutes

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 against refusal of inspection of documents.

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 were no items which required the exclusion of the press or public.

There were no late items of business to be considered.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive apologies for absence (If any)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors K Brooks

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meetings held on 10^th June 2021.

(Copy attached)

Members considered the minutes of the previous meetings held on 10^th June 2021 at 11.00am, 1.30pm and 4.00pm

With reference to Minute No. 23 – Application Nos: 21/02844/FU and 21/02845/LI for the conversion of the Leonardo Building & Thoresby House 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD.

Members requested if reference could be made, in the comments section, stating “There was no progression of the building downhill”

RESOLVED – That, with the inclusion of the above, the minutes of the meetings held on 10^th June 2021 (11.00am, 1.30pm and 4.00pm) be approved as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes.

There were no issues raised under Matters Arising.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of an application which seeks permission for the construction of five buildings ranging from 13 storeys to 31 storeys and consisting of 678 apartments (C3), residential amenity areas, commercial units (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1 and / or D2) and associated car parking; public realm and landscaping; access and servicing arrangements; and other associated works at Bridge Street, Gower Street, New York Road and Regent Street, Leeds LS2 7QZ

(Report attached)

Members considered a report by the Chief Planning Officer which set out details of an application which sought permission for the construction of five buildings ranging from 13 storeys to 31 storeys and consisting of 678 apartments (C3), residential amenity areas, commercial units (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1 and / or D2) and associated car parking; public realm and landscaping; access and servicing arrangements; and other associated works at Bridge Street, Gower Street, New York Road and Regent Street, Leeds LS2 7QZ

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

The Planning case officer addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  Site / location / context

·  Site history

·  The proposal - A residential-led development comprising 678 apartments in five buildings with commercial space at ground floor,

  basement parking and new public realm running through the heart of   the development providing a new pedestrian link between Bridge Street   and Regent Street.

·  Existing hotel phase

·  Public realm/ street scene

·  Landscaping, provision of green walls (Hotel)

·  External communal space, provision of courtyard area

·  Detailed highway proposals

·  Car parking provision/ Service area

·  Commercial use at ground floor level

·   678 residential apartments, all compliant with space standards

·  Elevational details

·  Materials – Glazing/ aluminium, grid pattern, use of grey brick

·  Provision of electric car charging points (100%)

Members raised the following questions to officers:

·  The provision of a green wall was welcomed, but how would it be maintained

·  The commuted sum associated with the affordable housing provision, the cost per unit appeared to be on the low side

·  By providing an off-site commuted sum there was no social value associated with this development

·  Referring to the housing mix Policy H4, Members queried why this particular policy was not relevant for this application in terms of 3 bedroom apartments.

·  Members queried the provision of trees and shrubs in planters suggesting that without adequate room for the roots to grow they may struggle to survive. Also trees located in the upper levels would require regular irrigation. What species of trees/ shrubs was proposed for the development.

·  The proposed brickwork appeared to be quite dark, could it be lightened

·  The pedestrian routes through the site, would they be open to all, not just residents

In responding to the issues raised, officers said:

·  The Planning Case Officer said the maintenance of the green wall would be included within the Landscape Management Plan

·  Members were informed that the commuted sum figure did not represent the total cost of a unit but the difference in value between the general market value of the unit and the value of the unit with its affordable housing restrictions (the difference being £3,101,783)

·  The provision of an off-site commuted sum was an accepted policy position for Build to Rent developments and provided options for developers in terms of affordable housing provision (Developers do not need to justify their choice)

·  The Planning Case Officer said Policy H4 was relevant and had been considered at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To note that 2 further meetings of the Panel will be held later today, (1.00pm & 3.30pm) the next meeting taking place on Thursday, 5^th August 2021 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

RESOLVED – To note that further meetings would be held later today at 1.00pm and 3.30pm with the next meeting taking place on Thursday 5^th August 2021 at 1:30pm in Civic Hall, Leeds.