Agenda and minutes

  In the absence of Councillor Taggart, nominations to chair the meeting were sought

  RESOLVED – That Councillor J McKenna be asked to Chair the meeting

  Councillor J McKenna in the Chair

  The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that Councillor Taggart was recovering after his recent operation and wished him well on behalf of the Panel

  With reference to proposals for the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme and Councillor Taggart’s request that a site visit by boat should take place to enable proper consideration to be given to the scheme, the Head of Planning Services stated that this was being arranged and would take in the route from the Leeds Canal Basin in Granary Wharf to Thwaite Mill.  Members were asked to consider whether this morning visit should take place on a separate day or be included with other site visits

  The view of Members was that this should take place on separate day to other site visits, with a 9.00am start time from the Civic Hall being agreed

  There were no late items

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 disclosable pecuniary interests, however Councillor Leadley brought to the Panel’s attention, as he felt that it was in the public interest to do so, that he was the Chair of the Morley Town Council Planning Committee which had made representations on the proposals for alterations and extensions to the White Rose Centre and redevelopment of adjacent land for staff parking (minute 37 refers)

  Apologies for absence were received from:

  Councillor P Gruen

  Councillor E Nash

  Councillor J Cummins

  Councillor R Procter

  Councillor G Latty

Councillor N Taggart

Councillor D Blackburn

  It was noted that the following Members were substituting for their respective colleagues:

  Councillor A McKenna

  Councillor J Harper

  Councillor D Congreve

  Councillor B Anderson

  Councillor G Wilkinson

  Councillor J McKenna

To approve the minutes of the City Plans Panel meetings held on 25th June 2013 and 4^th July 2013

(minutes attached)

  RESOLVED -  i) That the minutes of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 4^th July be approved

  ii) That the minutes of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 25^th June 2013 be approved, subject to the following amendments:

  Minute 15 – Otley Road, Shaw Lane to Ancaster Road

·  ‘that the proposals to close part of Weetwood Lane were not new and that the closure of this road, rather than St Chad’s Road was to provide a better pedestrian environment and an opportunity to support the local shops in this area, although this proposal had been rejected by Highway Officers earlier in the year’ – to be amended to read:

·  ‘that the proposals to close part of Weetwood Lane were not new and that the closure of this road, rather than St Chad’s Road was to provide a better pedestrian environment and an opportunity to support the local shops in this area, although the proposal had not proceeded’

Minute 15 Southern Section – New Dock to Stourton Park and Ride

·  ‘An objector to the scheme raised concerns …’ – to be amended to read:

·  ‘Two objectors to the scheme raised concerns …’

Minute 15 Southern Section – New Dock to Stourton Park and Ride

·  ‘concern regarding the route of the NGT through Pym Street and associated safety issues’ – to be amended to read:

·  ‘concern regarding the route of the NGT which would pass Pym Street, blocking the end of this street and having an impact on local businesses and associated safety issues’

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for alterations and extensions to form two A3 units and construction of 144 bedroom hotel

(report attached)

  Further to minute 47 of the Plans Panel City Centre meeting held on 22^nd December 2011, where Panel deferred determination of an application for serviced apartments, two A3 units and extension to casino for further discussions with the applicant on a range of issues, City Plans Panel Members considered a further report of the Chief Planning Officer on a revised scheme

  Plans, photographs, graphics and artist’s impressions were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Officers presented the report and stated that a simplified scheme was now proposed with the massing changed and a taller block adjoining Tower House so that views of the Arena from Merrion Way were kept and not obscured

  The proposed materials were grey, black and white cladding with glazing

  The public realm would be improved around the site, with this to be delivered in a phased manner.  Discussions on this were continuing, with Members being informed that Officers were keen to secure as much public realm as possible early within the development, particularly the hard surfacing around three sides of the site

  The receipt of a further letter of representation was reported which had raised concerns about the location of the drop off point for the hotel in respect of potential congestion from the car park when an event was taking place at the Arena.  Concerns had been raised about the design detailing on the end of the building and the proposed phasing of the public realm.  Members were informed that Officers were satisfied with the drop off point and the design of the scheme

  Members commented on the following matters:

·  the considerable improvements on the earlier scheme but the need to ensure the quality of the finished development

·  the need for some areas of public realm to be provided as quickly as possible and whether a row of trees could be incorporated at the rear of the site to complement the piazza outside the Arena.  Officers agreed to raise this with the applicant

·  the hotel drop off point and how many spaces would be available.  Members were informed that 2-3 spaces would be provided, which Officers were content with

RESOLVED -  To approve the application in principle and to defer

and delegate to the Chief Planning Officer for approval subject to the specified conditions (and any others which he might consider appropriate) and the completion of a Section 106 agreement to include the following obligations; public transport contribution (£37,450); travel plan and monitoring fee (£2,835); employment and training initiatives; restriction to serviced apartment use; maintenance of street furniture in Brunswick Terrace; Section 106 management fee (£750)

In the circumstances where the Section 106 has not been completed within 3 months of the resolution to grant planning permission, the final determination of the application shall be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for change of use from drinking establishment to form lap dancing club

(report attached)

  Plans, photographs and drawings were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Officers presented the report which sought permission for a Change of Use of 68-72 New Briggate LS1

  Members were informed that the four storey building was currently closed but that the most recent use of the premises had been for bar use on the lower floor, with a lap dancing club on the upper floors.  The application before Panel was for a change of use of the whole building for a lap dancing club

  There would be few external alterations to the premises, although an external flue would be removed and new bin store created.  Consideration could be given to removing the sign, if this was required by Panel

  Whilst only one objection to the application had been received, Officers were aware of other concerns around the proposed use.  Members were advised that moral objections could be given little weight when considering planning matters

  Reference was made to a letter received from Councillor P Gruen on behalf of Councillor Bruce and Rachel Reeves MP, regarding the unfortunate overlap between planning and licensing.  For clarity, the Panel’s legal adviser stated that these were two separate regimes and that the Panel’s decision on this application would not affect any decision reached by the Licensing Authority

  Members commented on the following matters:

·  that the blank appearance of the building drew attention to itself

·  in terms of the building’s appearance, whether different standards were being applied, as a criticism of some buildings were that they had a relatively blank, inactive frontage.  On this matter the Head of Planning Services advised that there was a difference in this case as unlike, for example, retail areas, there was not heavy footfall in this location

·  the need to ensure that people passing could not see into the premises.  Members were advised that there was a lobby area with doors beyond that which would prevent views into the premises

·  the proximity of the Grand Theatre to the site and whether there were prescribed distances for sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) from family leisure facilities, with Members being informed that the Council’s policy on SEVs had not yet been tested in respect of distances

·  that the name of the premises on the plans displayed at the meeting differed from its existing name, with concerns being raised about the suitability of this.  Members were informed that it would be for the Licensing Authority to consider any name change

·  the suitability of the site for a SEV in view of it being on the edge of the City Centre but close enough to be monitored by police patrols

·  the need for the signage to be discreet and controlled by condition.  Members were informed that a separate application would be required for new signage for the building

Members considered how to proceed

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to the

conditions set out in the submitted report and a further condition  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for a 128 bedroom hotel with associated landscaping

(report attached)

  Further to minute 85 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 14^th March 2013, when Panel received a pre-application presentation on proposals for a hotel on Whitehall Road, Members considered the formal application

  Plans, drawings, precedent images and sample materials were displayed at the meeting

  Officers presented a report seeking approval for a 128 bedroom hotel and landscaped area.  Members were informed that a previous permission for a hotel and office scheme on the whole site had not been implemented and that the applicant was now seeking approval for a smaller development which would also include some temporary landscaping

  Some design revisions had been made to the hotel which resulted in a sleeker appearance.  In terms of materials, black aluminium panels were proposed for the cladding which was similar to that use on the development at the Doncaster Monkbridge site, further along Whitehall Road

  Members welcomed the development which was felt to be an improvement on the previous scheme

  RESOLVED -  To approve the application in principle and to defer and delegate to the Chief Planning Officer for approval, subject to conditions set out in the submitted report (and any others which he might consider appropriate) and following the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to cover the following matters:

·  contribution to public transport improvements in accordance with SPD5 prior to first occupation - £22,198

·  provision of 1 car club space prior to first occupation

·  public access around the site

·  travel plan implementation and monitoring fee prior to first occupation £2500

·  employment and training opportunities for local people in City and Hunslet Ward or any adjoining Ward

·  management fee payable within one month of commencement of development £750

In the circumstances where the Section 106 Agreement has not been completed within 3 months of the resolution to grant planning permission the final determination of the application shall be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an outline application for residential development

(report attached)

  Plans photographs and graphics were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Officers presented the report which related to an application for outline planning permission for a residential development on a 17.8 ha Protected Area of Search (PAS) site at Calverley Lane and Bagley Lane Farsley

  As the applicant had lodged an appeal, the Panel could not now determine the application.  As it was the view of Officers that the application should not be granted planning permission, the submitted report suggested reasons for refusal for Panel to review and indicate whether it agreed with these reasons, had it been in a position to determine the application

  Although the application was in outline only, an indicative masterplan showed approximately 400 dwellings on the site, with access off Calverley Lane, with a central spine of open space being proposed

  Officers were of the view that the application was premature and that its suitability needed to be comprehensively reviewed as part of the work on the Site Allocations Plan; there was also concerns about the lack of a safe and direct route for school children and other users and that a signed Section 106 Agreement to cover a range of matters would be required, although it was anticipated that this particular issue might be dealt with before the Public Inquiry took place which had been scheduled for November 2013

  Further information was provided on the issue of the 5 year land supply with Members being informed that in its Annual Monitoring Report 2012, Leeds had been able to demonstrate it had a 5.3 year land supply.  In view of this the subject site was not needed to meet the requirements in the area and that other, suitable sites existed

  The Transport Development Services Manager outlined the highway proposals as set out in the report before Panel

  Members discussed the application and commented on the following matters:

·  accessibility to the site, concerns that this was poor and there were inadequate safety measures for pedestrians, particularly children

·  public transport accessibility to the site which was also considered to be poor

·  sustainability issues

·  that the application was premature

·  the interim policy in relation to development on PAS land

·  that more detail could have been expected in the highways comments, particularly about access to local facilities and from Children’s Services about the impact of the proposals on local school places

RESOLVED – That had the Panel been in a position to determine

the application they would have refused permission for the reasons set out in the submitted report

Further to minute 108 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 11^th April 2013, where Panel considered a further pre-application presentation on a major retail led development in the City Centre, to consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer setting out the current position in respect of the following applications forming Phase 1 of the Victoria Gate proposals:

1 – Victoria Gate Arcades

Application 13/02967/FU – Major mixed-use retail led development including the demolition of all buildings and construction of retail (use classes A1,A2,A3,A4, A5), leisure (use class D2)/casino (sui generis), public realm works and landscaping

2 – Multi-storey car park

Application 13/02968/FU – Demolition of Millgarth Police Station and the erection of a multi-storey car park and associated landscaping, means of access and highway works

3 – John Lewis store

Application 13/02969/RM – Reserved Matters approval for plot HQ1 (to be occupied by John Lewis) of the outline planning permission

(report attached)

  Further to minute 108 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 11^th April 2013, where Panel received a presentation on the latest proposals for a major mixed-use development for the Eastgate and Harewood Quarter, Members considered a report setting out the current position on the three applications which would form Victoria Gate, the new name for the development

  Plans, drawings, graphics and a model of the proposals in the wider context of the City Centre were displayed at the meeting

  Officers presented the report and outlined the three applications

  In terms of design of the proposals, whilst the 1950s Blomfield-style buildings would be demolished, the replacement block would emulate the characteristics of Blomfield.  An analysis of the rhythms of the Blomfield buildings opposite the phase one site had been undertaken which had led to the design of the new block with strong vertical rhythms, pleated brickwork and stone corners

  To the George Street façade, there would be a plinth, a strong corner and again, strong rhythms to the façade, with a high level of glazing and use of red brick

  The provision of a sub-station would be required and this would be sited to appear as a unit amongst the shop fronts, with an artistic treatment to the doors

  In relation to the multi-storey car park (MSCP), this would provide approximately 815 car park spaces, with around 35 disabled parking spaces and some parent and child spaces and cycle parking provision.  Space would be required within the car park to accommodate part of the NGT route, which would require a slot to be cut into the floorplate, with the possibility of introducing some active uses in this location being considered

  The John Lewis store would create a statement building, using a stongly ordered diagrid form with diamond shape frames of white terracotta with glazed and terracotta infills.  An entrance to the store from George Street, close to the market was proposed and this would be a feature entrance, would be stepped, generous and visible.  Two further entrances were proposed from the arcades.  Concerning the absence of an entrance into the store from Eastgate, at least in the first phase of the development, Members’ comments had been taken on board.  What was now proposed was a single entrance in phase 1, with a double width entrance being provided in the second phase.  Members views on this proposal were sought

  The exterior of the car park would comprise twisted metal fins which would ‘ghost’ the diamond shape of the John Lewis façade.  The base of the car park would be of more solid appearance, with a perforated mesh being likely, rather than the industrial appearance of the higher levels of the car park

  Having examined the model of the scheme in detail, Members discussed the application and commented on the following matters:

·  the stepped entrance to John Lewis, with concerns about people with mobility difficulties accessing the store.  Members were informed that Officers shared these  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Further to minute 24 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 25^th October 2012, where Panel received a pre-application presentation on proposals for the expansion of the White Rose Shopping Centre, to consider a further report of the Chief Planning Officer setting out the current position in respect of the following applications:

1 White Rose Shopping Centre

Application 13/01640/OT – Outline application for part demolition and alteration of existing buildings and erect extensions to form new and enlarged retail units , Class A1, A3, A5, D2 (cinema); alterations to existing and creation of new public realm and landscaping, alterations to existing vehicular access and creation of new vehicular, pedestrian, service access; alterations to car park configuration, together with infrastructure and associated works

2 Land South of White Rose Shopping Centre

Application 13/02684/FU – Demolition of existing buildings and re-development of site for use as car parking, with improvements to access, landscaping works and enhancements, new culvert to Cotton Mill Beck and upgrading of existing pedestrian crossing and associated works

(report attached)

  Further to minute 24 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 25^th October 2012, where Panel received a pre-application presentation on proposals for the expansion of the White Rose Shopping Centre, Members considered a further report of the Chief Planning Officer on the proposals together with details of the current position on a related application for the demolition of existing buildings and re-development of an area of land sited in the Green Belt, for use as a staff car park for the White Rose Centre (WRC)

  Plans, photographs and graphics were displayed at the meeting.  Members had visited the site prior to the meeting

  Officers outlined the proposals for the WRC which were to extend two existing stores, create three new retail units, a multi-screen cinema – up to 12 screens, restaurant units and remove an existing coach park and provide an area of public open space

  Whilst the proposals would result in the loss of 670 car parking spaces, the related application was to provide a staff car park and would involve the demolition of the existing buildings and improvements to the appearance of the site, whilst providing improvements to highway safety through the access arrangements proposed

  Members were informed of the main issues which were still being considered in respect of the proposals, these being:

·  retail and out of centre issues; that a Sequential Test and Impact Analysis had been submitted and were being considered by the Council’s independent retail consult

·  that objections from the three neighbouring Local Authorities had been received regarding the impact of the proposals on their centres

·  that the cumulative impact of the proposals had to be considered in relation to the proposals for introducing retail uses at Thorpe Park and the impact both of these could have – if approved – on planned development in the City Centre, particularly the Victoria Gate development and the proposals for the second phase of that scheme.  The Chief Planning Officer stated that the retail impact assessment would be at the core when it came to assess these proposals in view of the other retail schemes coming forward

·  whether extensions to existing stores had a different impact as opposed to the creation of new, separate stores and the introduction of a new offer into the WRC

·  highways issues; the proposals for some improvements to the bus station but the need to consider public transport links to the WRC from further afield and for longer hours; the loss of a high level of parking, with no re-provision for shoppers, with the approach being to create an off-site staff car park; the need to make this attractive for staff to use and to understand what further measures would be proposed in the event that the parking proposals were not as successful as envisaged.  There would also be a need to link the two proposals by condition to ensure neither element could be brought forward in isolation

·  pedestrian access and the need for improved links, particularly from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Further to minute 112 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 11^th April 2013, where Panel received a pre-application presentation on proposals for a mixed-use riverside development at The Calls, to consider a further report of the Chief Planning Officer setting out the current position in respect of the proposals for the demolition of 14-18 The Calls, 28 The Calls and the mission hut building and construction of 77 apartments and bar/restaurant/office space (use classes A3/A3/B1) and laying out of public open space

(report attached)

  Further to minute 112 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 11^th April 2013, where Panel considered a pre-application presentation on proposals for a mixed-use riverside development at The Calls, Members considered a further report of the Chief Planning Officer setting out the current position on the proposals

  Plans, photographs and graphics, including an historic image of the site were displayed at the meeting

  Officers briefly outlined the recent planning history of the site; explained the extent of the proposed demolitions and highlighted the revisions to the scheme since it was last seen by Panel, which included moving away balconies from the corners, reducing the number of balconies and providing a more uniform layout of these across the façade

  The main materials proposed would be sandstone for the plinth with variegated brick to the upper elements

  In terms of financial viability, the applicant had indicated that currently the scheme was unviable and had requested a clause in the S106 Agreement whereby the requirements of the legal agreement could be reviewed at a later date, with Members’ views on this being sought

  Panel discussed this matter with the view being expressed that a viability clause should not be inserted in the S106 Agreement, with concerns that if this was agreed to, then other developers would seek such a clause

  In response to the specific points raised in the report, Members provided the following comments:

·  that the principle of the development, including the proposed mix of uses was acceptable

·  that the demolition of all buildings on the site, other than 20-24 The Calls was acceptable, but only at a point when it had been established that the site would definitely be redeveloped

·  that the scale and layout of the development and views towards the river were acceptable.  In terms of soft landscaping more trees were required within the scheme

·  that the overall architectural approach was acceptable as was the revised arrangement of the proposed balconies, with Members welcoming the taking away of balconies from the corners

·  that the proposed approach to residential amenity was satisfactory

·  that the general approach to access issues was appropriate and that the proposed use of gates was acceptable

·  that the proposed package of S106 measures set out in the submitted report was appropriate, although it would not be acceptable for a clause to be inserted in the agreement which enabled a subsequent review of viability to be undertaken

·  that flood risk measures in respect of different events should be set out in the final report to be submitted to Panel

RESOLVED -  To note the report and the comments now made

Thursday 29^th August 2013 at 1.30pm

Thursday 19^th September 2013 at 1.30pm – additional meeting

Thursday 26^th September 2013 at 1.30pm

  Thursday 29^th August 2013 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds