Agenda and minutes

In the absence of Councillor C Gruen, the Panel was asked to make a nomination for a Chair for the meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor J McKenna be elected as Chair for the meeting.

The Chair reminded the Panel that today was the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.  Members were reminded of the Council’s responsibilities to tenants, particularly in tower blocks and of the Council’s response in ensuring the safety of tower blocks in Leeds.

Members observed a minutes silence.

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.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor C Gruen.

Councillor J McKenna was in attendance as substitute.

Apologies for the site visits were submitted on behalf of Councillors J Heselwood and A Hutchison.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2018.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 17 May 2018 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer which presents a pre-application presentation for a 5-15 storey block of 160 residential units with associated parking and greenspace

The report of the Chief Planning Officer introduced a pre-application presentation for 160 Apartments, at land East of Carlton Gate and North of Clay Pit Lane.

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

Further issues highlighted included the following:

·  The site had previously had an outline approval for housing during the regeneration of Little London PFI scheme.  This had not been progressed following the economic downturn.

·  The site was identified for housing in the Site Allocation Plan.

·  The mound at the site would be retained to an extent but not at the same height.  This would introduce a more usable landscape which improved connectivity and public access.  Whilst there would be some tree loss, there would be re-planting and landscaping to compensate.

·  Car parking was low for a development of this intensity.

·  A flexible rent model was proposed with a guaranteed minimum of 7.5% affordable housing.

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

·  Agreements had been made with a contractor who was ready to deliver the scheme.

·  The previously agreed plans for the site would have seen the removal of the bund.

·  The flexible rent model was explained.  This involved offering rents at comparable local rates and it was aimed to offer 20% affordable housing.

·  The proposals would complete the regeneration of Little London and provide a landmark building on a gateway to the city.

·  Options to retain the bund had been explored.  To retain the bund would have presented a challenge to any construction.  The alternative option would retain features of the bund and provide a quality environment around the building.

·  The building would be stepped in height and the relative height would be lower than other nearby buildings.

·  The ground floor of the building would have communal spaces, community facilities and cycle storage.  There would also be a communal roof terrace.

·  Car parking – proposed levels of parking were felt to be sufficient as it the site was situated in an area with good transport links to the city.  There was low car ownership in the area.

·  It was proposed to submit a full application in July 2018 with a view to commencing development within 6 months.

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

·  Consultation with Ward Members and local residents – There had been some discussion with Ward Members and consultation with local residents was planned.

·  Concern regarding the proximity of street lighting to the new building – it was not envisaged that there would be any light pollution caused by this.

·  Concerns with regards to the corner of the building and how close it was to Clay Pit Lane.

·  Materials for the building still needed to be finalised.  It was suggested that they would be of a finish similar to existing buildings nearby.

·  Members welcomed that affordable housing provision would be on site and not in the form of a financial contribution.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Thursday, 19 July 2018 at 1.30 p.m.

Thursday, 19 July 2018 at 1.30 p.m.