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.

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 on the Agenda.

There were no declarations.

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

There were no late items.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2023

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

A question was asked as to whether the scheduled meeting for August would be going ahead.  It was reported that there were currently 3 or 4 items that would be due for consideration and an update would be sent to Members.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer which introduces a pre-planning application for student accommodation at SoYo, Block A, Quarry Hill, Leeds

The report of the Chief Planning Officer introduced a pre-planning application for the development of a student residential development at SOYO, Block A, Quarry Hill, Leeds.

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

It was noted that the site was within the Little London & Woodhouse Ward and not Hunslet & Riverside as stated in the report and that there had previously been permission granted for a multi-storey car park at the site.

The applicant’s representatives were invited to address the Panel.  The following was highlighted:

·  Outline permission for the wider site had been granted in 2017 for residential and office space.

·  Vehicular access including arrangements for parking and service vehicles.

·  Pedestrian movement through the site. There would be links to the A64 footbridge.

·  The proposed building followed the masterplan in terms of height and massing and would present a symmetrical façade alongside Block B.

·  There would be a secure landscaped courtyard for amenity.

·  Floor plans were displayed.  The ground floor would include amenity areas, cycle storage and a small café. The upper floors would be mainly accommodation and the studios and cluster flats were of generous sizes.

·  Materials would include a Portland stone base, red brick and metallic panels. 

·  There would be side panel ventilation to windows.

·  The amenity space at ground floor would provide good security surveillance.

·  There would be opportunity for events in the outdoor areas.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Security concerns regarding pick up and drop off points and access to the bicycle store – it was reported that all these areas would be well lit and the cycle storage could be accessed from within the building.  The site would be managed round the clock and have a security presence.

·  The mix of studio and cluster flats had been based on industry standards.

·  The landscaped courtyard area would be private for student residents to create a level of security.  This would be the only private landscaped area. This has been approved as part of a previous application. 

·  There would be large areas of soft landscaping across the site.

·  Rain gardens and water run-off had been considered in the design.

·  There was not yet a confirmed date for the improvements to the footbridge.

·  There was an established management company for the estate which would manage all the common areas.

·  Public consultation had already started and will be expanded.

·  Further work would be carried out with regard to health provision.

·  There would be level access on the pedestrian routes.

·  There would be a full highways assessment prior to the full application which would consider issues such as deliveries and student drop off and pick up.

·  There would be consultation with the police with regards to safety and security.

·  CCTV and other security arrangements would be operating all year round and not just during term time.  It was expected that there would be some occupation outside of term time.

·  The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Thursday, 10 August 2023 at 1.30 p.m.

Thursday, 10 August 2023 at 1.30 p.m.