Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer and to receive a pre-application presentation in relation to proposals for New Dock (formerly Clarence Dock), South Bank, Leeds.

This is a pre-application presentation and no formal decision on the development will be taken, however it is an opportunity for Panel Members to ask questions, raise issues, seek clarification and comment on the proposals at this stage. There is no opportunity for public speaking about the proposals outlined in the presentation.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer introduced a pre-application presentation in relation to proposals for New Dock (formerly Clarence Dock), South Bank, Leeds.

The following representatives attended and addressed the meeting:-

-  Michael Ingall, Allied London (Applicant)

-  Jonathan Raine, Allied London

-  Lucy Whalley, Allied London

Members were shown detailed plans and photographs of the scheme.

The presentation highlighted the following key areas:-

• Map shown of the site
• Key words – Clarence Dock
• Case Study: Spinningfields
• Clarence Dock – Location
• Project Objectives
• History
• The Vision – Leeds Southbank/Future
• New Dock – Key areas/Masterplan
• Importance of Public Realm
• Shopping and Café Street proposals
• Restaurant Boardwalk
• Workspace hub
• Water Village
• Events and Management
• Waterfront Festival
• Proposed Programme
• Summary

The Chair then invited questions and comments from Members on the specific proposals of the pre-application.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues and the applicant team duly responded:-

• The need to entice people living in Outer Leeds areas and Harrogate to go to the New Dock; the parking problems at the New Dock and whether or not the city had the capacity to take on board more culture and more restaurants

(The applicant stated that Clarence Dock was part of the cities heritage and that there was a need to offer people more facilities in this area. Discussions were continuing with British Waterways with regard to car parking charges)

• The concerns expressed about the relationship with the Royal Armouries and a need for the applicant to work closely with them in the future

(The applicant confirmed that a meeting had taken place with representatives from the Royal Armouries and it was hoped that a successful working relationship would be formed arising from the proposals)

• Clarification if there was a proposed link with the proposals for enhanced flood defences in the area

(The Chief Planning Officer responded and confirmed that this issue would be addressed as the application goes forward)

• Clarification of what decisions were required on this pre-application at today’s Plans Panel meeting

(The applicant stated that he sought the support of the meeting for the master plan and that various elements of the scheme would require planning approval. He confirmed the willingness to work with planning officers and was delighted to have a large number of stakeholders on board, including British Waterways who had been very supportive to date)

• The need to congratulate the applicant on the initial concept and for the Panel to acknowledge that the proposals would benefit the city, particularly around the area of Clarence Dock

In concluding discussions, the Chair put forward the following specific matters for Members consideration:-

• was the general approach right for the area?
• does the proposal complement the City’s vision for the waterfront, South Bank and the City Centre Park ?

It was the consensus of the meeting that the above matters were acceptable.

The Panel also requested the Chief Planning Officer to look into the implementation of a waterbus/taxi business plan from the railway station to the Royal Armouries. It was also suggested that the Panel would benefit by visiting Manchester Spinningfields prior to Members viewing the Clareance Dock site.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the report and pre-application presentation be noted.

b)  That the Chief Planning Officer be requested to arrange a Panel visit to Manchester Spinningfields prior to Members viewing the Clarence Dock site.

c)  That the Chief Planning Officer be requested to look into the implementation of a waterbus/taxi business plan from the railway station to the Royal Armouries.

(Councillor R Procter re-joined the meeting at 4.40pm during discussions of this item)

(Councillors P Gruen and E Nash left the meeting at 4.45pm during discussions of this item)