Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the progress made in planning for the delivery of major housing growth and infrastructure investment in the East Leeds Extension. The report also seeks specific approval on a number of matters which will enable the investment to progress.

(Appendix 2 to this report is designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3))

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the progress made in planning for the delivery of major housing growth and infrastructure investment in the East Leeds Extension. The report also sought specific approval on a number of matters which would enable the investment to progress.

Members noted how the East Leeds Orbital Road was a key piece of infrastructure which was integral to the East Leeds Extension development, and as such, raised concerns regarding the lead role that the Council was being required to take in order to ensure that the Orbital Road was delivered. 

Following consideration of Appendix 2 to the submitted report, designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submitted report, together with the positive progress made by the Council in its enabling activities to bring forward the major strategic growth area of the East Leeds Extension and the major infrastructure project for the East Leeds Orbital Road, be noted;

(b)  That in principle approval be given to the Council continuing to develop a funding case for the costs of the East Leeds Orbital Road through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund, prudential borrowing and developer contributions, with the Council also continuing to explore alternative means of financing;

(c)  That the commitment to the East Leeds Orbital Road Roof Tax be reaffirmed as the principle mechanism through which developer contributions will be secured from the East Leeds Extension towards the delivery costs of the East Leeds Orbital Road, as set out in paragraphs 3.1.6 – 3.1.8 of the submitted report;

(d)  That the programme for the planning, procurement and construction of the East Leeds Orbital Road, as set out in paragraphs 3.1.10 – 3.1.13 of the submitted report be noted, and that approval be given for the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation) to submit a detailed planning application for the project, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning;

(e)  That the progress made in assembling land to facilitate the route of the East Leeds Orbital Road at the Northern Quadrant be noted, and that the recommendations, as detailed within the exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(f)  That it be noted that the Council will make land available on the Red Hall site for the initial A58 junction infrastructure which will enable access to the Northern Quadrant site, as set out in paragraphs 3.3.12 – 3.3.14 of the submitted report, subject to the discharge of relevant statutory processes by the Head of Land and Property and the delegated approval of the Director of City Development;

(g)  That approval be given for the Chief Planning Officer to prepare and publish a Draft Planning Brief for Red Hall, with the detailed timetable to be agreed with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning;

(h)  That approval be given to the approach towards marketing and disposal of the Red Hall site, as set out in paragraphs 3.4.18 – 3.4.22 of the submitted report, with the details to be confirmed by the Director of City Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning;

(i)  That approval be given for the Chief Planning Officer to prepare and publish a Draft Development Framework for the Southern and Middle Quadrants, with the detailed timetable to be agreed with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning;

(j)  That a co-ordinated programme of public and stakeholder engagement for the East Leeds Extension from November 2015 be approved, which will include public consultation on the East Leeds Orbital Road, Red Hall and the Southern & Middle Quadrants, with the details being confirmed by the Head of Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning and also Ward Members.