Agenda and minutes

A Member’s site visit was held in connection with the following applications: PREAPP/18/00432 – Former Goods Yard at Shannon Street, Leeds and PREAPP/18/00316 – Vacant land off New York Road, Quarry Hill, Leeds and was attended by the following Councillors: J Mckenna, P Carlill, C Gruen, C Campbell, B Anderson, P Wadsworth, T Leadley and D Blackburn, A Khan and K Brooks.

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 the 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 identified where it was considered necessary to exclude the press or public from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the business to be considered.

Although there were no formal late items the Chair did accept the inclusion of supplementary information in respect of Agenda Item No. 8 – Application No. 17/02594/OT – Outline Application for the creation of a new community of up to 800 dwellings to land off Racecourse Approach, Wetherby, Leeds 22. Members were informed that the information was not available at the time of agenda publication/ circulation and it was in the best interests of the Council and other parties concerned that the supplementary information be considered without delay (Minute No, 149 referred).

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 any disclosable pecuniary interests.

To receive apologies for absence (If any)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J Goddard.

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th February 2019.

(Copy attached)

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th February 2019 were submitted for comment / approval.

With reference to Minute No.138 (PREAPP/18/00525 – New Multi-Storey Car Park at Quarry Hill, Phase 2 - SOYO) - Councillor Cohen said it was his understanding that Leeds Playhouse were supportive of the proposal but no reference to that affect was referred to in the minutes.

The City Centre Team Leader confirmed that the Leeds Playhouse were supportive of the proposal

RESOLVED – That, with the inclusion of the above, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th February 2019 be accepted as a true and correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes.

Pre-Application Presentation (PREAPP/18/00525) for Reserved Matters for new Multi-Storey Car Park and impact on extent outline permission at Quarry Hill, Phase 2 (SOYO) Leeds (Minute No.138 referred) – Councillor Cohen reminded Members that Panel had been informed by officers that the Leeds Playhouse were supportive of the proposal and were aware of the reduction of car parking spaces.

Councillor Cohen said that since that time Members had received a letter from the Leeds Playhouse which provided no indication as to whether the Leeds Playhouse were supportive of the proposal and were aware of the reduction in the number of car parking spaces.

The City Centre Team Leader reaffirmed that the Leeds Playhouse were supportive of the proposal, there were no objections to proposals to reduce the number of car parking spaces, and there was certainly no intention to mislead Panel.

The City Centre Team Leader said he would seek confirmation from Leeds Playhouse that they were supportive of the proposal if required in future.  However, the Chair confirmed that the majority of Members had read the letter from Leeds Playhouse as indicating support for the proposal overall.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of an application which seeks outline planning consent with all matters reserved except for access, for the creation of a new community comprising up to 800 dwellings, a food store (A1) (up to 372 sq.m), primary school and public open spaces at Land off Racecourse Approach, Wetherby, Leeds 22.

(Report attached)

With reference to the meeting of 4^th October 2018 when Members received a Position Statement in respect of this application and raised the following concerns:

·  Development of the site should not proceed until the Inspectors decision/ recommendations in respect of the Site Allocation Plan (SAP) were received.

·  Further understanding of the proposed access arrangements and traffic modelling was necessary to fully consider the impacts of the development.

·  An understanding of the issues around drainage and risk of flood, looking into the local history of the area (e.g. had any events at the nearby racecourse been cancelled due to flooding).

·  That further information be provided as to what was proposed for the whole of the site and a suggestion for the school to be located closer to York Road.

·  Concern was expressed over the impact of the proposed development within the landscape.

·  Concern was expressed over the environmental impact of the proposed development.

·  Members were not supportive of the conclusions reached in the balancing exercise.

It was reported that the applicant had sought to address the various issues raised by the Panel, while matters relating to the SAP had significantly advanced and provided clarity to the acceptability of the site being allocated for residential development. (These matters were expanded upon within the submitted report).

The Chief Planning Officer now submitted a report which sought outline planning permission for a residential development comprising up to 800 dwellings together with a new primary school, a convenience store and public open space. The application was in outline with all matters reserved, save for access which included three vehicular access points. The site was currently designated as Rural Land within the development plan, but is proposed to be allocated for residential and education uses within the advanced SAP. The site lies adjacent to the Major Settlement of Wetherby and given the need for additional housing in this particular area, it is considered that the proposals represent a sustainable form of development. The scheme would also deliver a significant proportion of affordable housing on site and therefore the benefits associated with the scheme are considered to outweigh the limited harm, and therefore the application is recommended for approval, subject to the completion of a legal agreement.

In providing an update on the number of representations received, the Chief Planning officer reported that an additional 59 letters of objections had been received referring to: the impact on the local infrastructure, the proposed development was close to a Young Offenders Institute, rural land should be protected, the proposal would create a separate community, there would be a lack of employment opportunities, there would be an impact on the local GP surgeries, this was not a sustainable site and the decision on SAP had dubious validity.

Commenting upon the latter point, officers confirmed that the SAP has now progressed to an advanced stage and therefore considerable weight could be given to its soundness. None of the work outstanding or currently being undertaken on the SAP alters the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 149.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre application proposal for a mixed use development comprising five blocks housing 1032 residential dwelling including live-work units, with communal spaces, commercial units (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and B1 Uses), co-working space and car parking, set in a landscape scheme at the former Goods Yard, Marsh Lane and Shannon Street, Leeds.

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of a

pre-application proposal for a mixed use development comprising five blocks housing 1032 residential dwellings including live-work units with communal spaces, commercial units (A1,A2,A3,A4,A5 and B1 uses), co-working space and car parking, set in a landscape scheme at the former Goods Yard, Marsh Lane and Shannon Street, Leeds.

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

The applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  Site / location/ context

·  City Village, East Bank location

·  Key design principles connecting to Marsh Lane with key views

·  The proposal seeks to develop 1032 residential dwellings across five stepped blocks ranging in height from 9 to 22 storeys

·  Apartment mix; one bedroom 48%, two bedroom 44%, 3 bedroom 7.5%

·  All apartments exceed National Space Standards

·  Live work units, with communal space, commercial units and  co-working space

·  Basement level car parking (202 spaces)

·  Opportunity to provide City Car Club spaces within the site

·  Cycle parking

·  Landscaping / public realm provision, public open spaces, green routes and squares

·  Nearby railway arches could provide public realm / commercial opportunity but not in ownership of the developer

·  The old Marsh Lane Railway Station was in close proximity but not in ownership of the developer

Members raised the following questions:

·  Would residents be charged for use of the communal areas

·  Could more details be provide about co-working space

·  Would the development include any play areas for children

·  Would a wind assessment be undertaken

·  Had any discussions taken place with Network Rail, as adjoining land owners

·  The old Marsh Lane Railway Station, were there any proposals to bring it (and / or the disused railways arches) back into use.

·  The development would result in the loss of car parking spaces within the area – where would these vehicles be displaced to

·  Referring to the landscape proposals could full hedges be provided, not shrubs and also could interactive play areas / edible beds be created and noise attenuation measures be included as part of the landscaping provision

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

·  Members were informed that the intention was for the communal spaces to be well used and get people into the site. There was no charge for use of the communal space.

·  Members were informed that co-working space was flexible work space for start - up businesses or for people working from home. Meeting rooms and other work spaces are intended to be available for hire.

·  The development did include some family accommodation but as yet, there were no proposals for a children’s play area.

·  It is envisaged that the commercial space could include some pharmaceutical and medical surgery provision, as it is known that there is need within the wider area.

·  It was confirmed that a wind study would accompany any formal application.

·  It was understood  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre application proposal for full planning consent for 348 apartments with ancillary office and commercial uses at Quarry Hill/ Saint Cecilia Street, Leeds.

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of a

pre-application proposal for full planning consent for 348 apartments with ancillary office and commercial uses at Quarry Hill / Saint Cecilia Street, Leeds.

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

The applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  Site / location/ context

·  City Centre location

·  The proposal was to construct three towers ranging in height from 16 to 21 storeys

·  Residential development for 348 apartments (Built to Rent)

·  Apartment mix: 33 studios (9.5%), 143 one bed (41.1%), 151 two bed (43.4%) and 21 three bed (6%) apartments.

·  Ancillary office and commercial space use (Ground floor on three levels)

·  Building form, proportions and materials influenced by adjacent buildings

·  Plinth element to base

·  78 car parking spaces (21%)

·  Cycle parking, one space per apartment

·  Potential to link to Leeds District Heating System

·  Access and public realm arrangements

·  Landscaping, dense landscape buffer, links to Leeds habitat network

Members raised the following questions:

·  The proposed habitat network link appeared to be a thin piece of currently unused land

·  The base-ground appears to currently comprise rubble and so is the ground actually suitable to be built on for residential purposes

·  The development was alongside an urban motorway, would a noise survey be commissioned

·  Would the pedestrian bridge across the A64 to Mabgate be improved

·  Could an air quality survey be undertaken

·  Could Ward Members be consulted about the parking implications for the area

·  It was suggested that light penetration at the lower levels may be an issue

·  A number of Members considered the proposed red brick was too dark / bland, could lighter materials be considered

·  The design of the towers, could more of a “feature building” be created such as using terracotta dressings to the brickwork

·  The development would still generate car parking requirements and some potential displacement of parking within the area – where would these vehicles be displaced to

·  There is no provision of real amenity or green space, but needs to be space that residents can use in a meaningful way

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

·  Members were informed that, with the appropriate treatment and tree planting, the area would be more sustainable as a wildlife habitat

·  It was confirmed that a noise survey would be undertaken, it was also intended that the building would be sealed and incorporate a mechanical ventilation system to reduce outside noise

·  Members were informed that the developers were “keen” to enhance the arrival experience and improvements to the bridge would be considered

·  The developers confirmed that an air quality survey would be undertaken and mitigation measures to decrease pollution at higher levels considered as part of the detailed design stage

·  The developer confirmed that a parking assessment would be undertaken to determine parking levels in the area

·  The developer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 151.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which provides an update on a pre application proposal (14^th February 2019) for reserved matters  (Scale and appearance and landscaping) for new multi storey car park and impact on extant outline permission at Quarry Hill, Leeds Phase 2 (SOYO)

(Report attached)

With reference to the meeting of 14^th February 2019 when Members received a pre-application proposal for reserved matters (Scale and appearance and landscaping) for new multi-storey car park and impact on extant outline permission at Quarry Hill, Leeds Phase 2 (SOYO).

Members were generally supportive of the proposals with the exception of the removal of the requirement to make available an additional 100 parking spaces for short stay use after 6.00pm.

The Chief Planning Officer now submitted a report indicating that the developers had considered the matter further and were now prepared to retain the obligation - thereby ensuring that a minimum of 350 short –stay spaces would be available in the car park at 6.00pm and the wording of the existing Section 106 Agreement in this regard would remain unchanged.

In the discussion that followed Members were supportive of the amendments and provided the following feedback;

·  Members were supportive of the proposed amendments to the Section 106 Agreement

·  Members were satisfied that the Reserved Matters application for the Multi-storey car park (MSCP) could be dealt with under delegated powers

·  Members were satisfied that the Non-Material Amendment application could be dealt with under delegated powers

·  Members were satisfied that the associated variations to the existing Section 106 Agreement could be dealt with under delegated powers

The Chair thanked the developers for their attendance and presentation.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the update on a pre-application proposal be noted

(ii)  That the developers be thanked for their attendance and presentation

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which provides an update on Application No. 18/05017/FU - Removal of condition 50 (MLLR delivery) of approval 16/07938/OT, on land Between Barrowby Lane and Manston Lane, Thorpe Park, Leeds

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which provided an update in respect of an application for the removal of Condition 50 (MLLR delivery) of approval 16/07938/OT on land between Barrowby Lane and Manston Lane, Thorpe Park, Leeds.

Members noted that this report had been submitted as part of the agreement to bring regular updates to Panel regarding the Manston Lane Link Road (MLLR). 

It was reported there had been a slight slippage to the schedule with an anticipated completion for the MLLR project of 18^th April 2019

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)  To note that revised anticipated completion for the MLLR project was now 18^th April 2019

To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday, 18^th April 2019 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

RESOLVED – To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday, 18^th April 2019 at 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds