Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre application proposal for new college campus building at Leeds College of Building, Cudbear Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1EF

(Report attached) 

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

pre application proposal for new college campus building at Leeds College of Building, Cudbear Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1EF

Site photographs and plans were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

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

·  The proposal site is on vacant brownfield land between Cudbear Street and Black Bull Street, in the South Bank of Leeds City Centre.

·  The new facility (Phase 2) would be a standalone building sited next to phase one. The building would feature a traditional north-lit roof profile with red-brick and metal cladding to echo the area’s industrial heritage.

·  Phase two is arranged over 3 and 4 storeys and has been designed to have a strong presence to the prominent Black Bull Street frontage.

·  The proposed use of phase two is to be a combination of workshop, classroom and shared, communal facilities, similar in nature to phase one. The building is primarily to accommodate students studying courses related to Mechanical Services (Plumbing, Heating and Ventilation) plus other courses relating to infrastructure.

·  The two blocks are arranged around a central atrium space that houses communal facilities and acts as the main vertical and horizontal circulation zone within the building. Students, staff and other visitors to the building would enter the building at its south-west corner, at the base the atrium. Classrooms would project above the entrance to create a covered space, and the entrance is located so as to be visible to the phase one building entrance

·  The new building would share the same vehicular entrance from Cudbear Street as phase one, with an additional 33 car parking spaces (including electrical charging points) and service zone facing its north (workshop side) elevation.

·  Subject to planning permission it is intended the new facility would be completed by July 2018

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

·  Members took the view that the Phase 1 development was impressive and Phase 2 appeared to be equally impressive

·  Did the College liaise with other colleges within the area to collectively address issues of pedestrian connectivity, bus services and safeguarding arrangements.

In responding to the issues raised, the applicant’s representatives confirmed that discussions were ongoing with other colleges in the area to address transportation arrangements and CCTV coverage within the car park areas. Links had also been established with the Ruth Gorse Academy to look at safeguarding issues

In drawing the discussion to a conclusion Members provided the following feedback;

·  Members supported the principle of phase 2 of the Leeds College of Building campus at this site

·   The emerging layout, scale and detailed design were supported

·  In respect to parking, vehicular access and pedestrian connectivity, Members took the view that a Management Plan was required with all education provision

In summing up the Chair said Members were delighted with the Phase 1 development and appeared to be equally supportive of the phase 2 development.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the details contained in the pre-application presentation

(ii)  That following the submission of the formal application, final determination of the application be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer for approval subject to any conditions deemed necessary or required by the Chief Planning Officer

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