Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of an application for the demolition of existing buildings and erect multi0level development comprising 224 Apartments and Commercial Units at the Radius, Springwell Road, Holbeck, Leeds, LS12 1AW.

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of an application for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a multi-level development comprising 224 Apartments and Commercial Units at the Radius, Springwell Road, Holbeck, Leeds, LS12 1AW.

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

The Chief Planning Officer together with the applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  The site lies at the junction of Whitehall Road, Springwell Road and Springwell Street, in an inner city part of Leeds, which is located in an area of transition just outside the boundary of the city centre. The site is also located along the Whitehall Road corridor, which is the main vehicular route, heading south-west from Leeds Train Station.

·  The proposal is for a new residential apartment block, stepping up in height from 4 storey up to 16 storeys, with ground floor commercial units.

·  The proposal comprises of 224 apartments, some with external roof terrace (45 x Studio apartments, 95 x one bed apartments, 69 x two bed apartments and 15 x three bed apartments)

·  53 parking spaces

·  Package of off-site highway works

·  Affordable housing contribution

·  Wind survey/ wind mitigation measures

·  Community Infrastructure Levy

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

·  Clarification around the design of the wind baffle/ deflectors

·  Affordable housing provision at 5%, the applicant was willing to consider a number of options for on-site delivery for this Private Rented Sector scheme including provision through a Social Registered Landlord or alternatively the possibility of on-site management directly by the operator.

·  Good design and layout

·  The building was an elegant design

·  Welcome the provision of trees

·  The changing nature of the area and the significant regeneration opportunities along Whitehall Road

In responding to the issues raised, the Chief Planning Officer reported that an additional condition would be added requiring the submission of design details of the wind baffles, referring to the issue of affordable housing it was confirmed that the applicant was willing to engage with the Council’s Housing Growth Team and commit to a 3 month period within which to secure agreement with a Social Registered Landlord or Housing Leeds delivery of the affordable housing provision on site. Failing this it was proposed to offer a financial contribution for the delivery of affordable housing off site. The arrangements would be secured through a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

(The Chief Planning Officer reported that the general issue of Affordable Housing provision with Private Rented schemes and how a Commuted Sum was calculated would be the subject of a Members Workshop to be arranged in the near future)

Members welcomed the suggestion of such a workshop.

Members also welcomed the suggestion for a future Panel visit to Whitehall Road to be informed of the wider regeneration proposals for the area.

In summing up the Chair suggested that the majority of Members appeared to be supportive of the proposal.

RESOLVED - That the application be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer for approval, subject to the conditions specified in the submitted report with an additional condition requiring the submission of design details of the wind baffles together with any others which the Chief Planning Officer considers appropriate and following the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure the following:

·  Affordable Housing:  to undertake a 3 month exercise to explore provision on-site, in the event of that failing thento accept a commuted sum of £634,474 towards off site affordable housing provision in lieu of on-site affordable housing provision to be paid on occupation of the first residential unit. The retention of the building as a Private Rented Scheme (Build To Rent) for a minimum period of 10 years from first occupation.  To secure payment of an additional sum of £240,800 on the sale of the first of any unit to be sold within 10 years of the occupation of the building

·  The employment and training of local people

·  Contribution of £15,000 Traffic Regulation Order (including Car Club space)

·  Contribution of £5,000 loss of revenue for lost parking space for Car Club space

·  £15,000 Car Club Fund for residents

·  £38,900 sustainable Travel Fund

·  £3,120 Travel Plan Monitoring fee

In the event of the Section 106 not been completed within 3 months of the Panel resolution to grant planning permission, the final determination of the application be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer.