Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for the construction of a mixed use retail led development comprising retail (Use Classes A1, A2, A3 and A5), leisure (Use Class D2), non-residential institutions (Use Class D1) and bookmakers (Sui Generis) with associated access, parking and landscaping

The submitted report of the Chief Planning Officer set out an application for the construction of a mixed use retail-led development comprising retail (use classes A1, A2, A3 and A5), leisure (use class D2), non-residential institutions (use class D1) and book makers (sui generis) with associated access, parking and landscaping on land at the former site of Benyon House, Ring Road Middleton, Middleton, Leeds LS10.

Members had visited the site earlier in the day, photographs and plans were shown throughout the presentation.

The application had been brought to Plans Panel due to the scale of the development, at the request of local Ward Members who consider the application to be of local significance due to the potential for job creation.

The Panel was informed that the proposal was for a retail-led scheme with proposed occupiers such as Lidl, B&M, Costa Coffee, Jack Fulton, Greggs. The proposal also allowed for the delivery of a Bookmakers (Sui generis use). It was proposed that the A1 units would be occupied by Lidl and B&M.

Members were advised that this application was a resubmission of a previously refused application for a similar scheme, anchored by Lidl and B&M. It was also noted that an application for Tesco’s on this site was also refused in 2010.

The Panel were advised that B&M Bargains had written a letter to the Leader of Council to inform her and other ward members in Middleton of the intention to vacate their existing unit within the town centre. Members were informed that an independent assessment had been undertaken in relation to the impact the closure of B&M Bargains would have on Middleton Town Centre. It was acknowledged that this could have a significant effect on footfall in the Town Centre and that it could be difficult to re-let a unit of this size. It was noted that large organisations such as Boots and Wilkinson’s had been approached to see if they would be interested, however, they were not. The only interest had been from a gym, but this would not bring in the required footfall.

Director of Commercial Development Projects Ltd, James Marshall addressed the Panel.

Mr Marshall informed the Panel of the following points:

·  B&M Bargains lease on the unit in the Town Centre would end in October 2019;

·  Consultation with local people showed that this type of development was wanted in the area by most people;

·  The development would create 180 local jobs including local construction jobs;

·  His was a family company and this was a substantial investment for the local area;

·  Local ward councillors were in favour of the development;

·  If permission was granted it was hoped that the site would be trading by Christmas 2019.

Responding to questions from Members Mr Marshall informed the Members that as many trees as possible would be retained and landscaping would include up to 140 new trees which would be used as a buffer. He said that the design and materials had been discussed with planning officers.

Members discussed the following issues:

·  Previous refusal of development on this site;

·  Changes in the market;

·  Investment and creation of jobs in the area;

·  The sustainability of Middleton Town Centre;

·  Mixed use for this site;

·  The design of the proposed development;

·  Improved connectivity between town centre and Asda

·  Site Allocations Plan(SAP)

·  National Planning and Policy Framework (NPPF)

At the conclusion of discussions, Councillor McKenna moved a motion to defer the application so that further information regarding the impact on the Site Allocation Plan and further retail impact could be provided. The motion was seconded by Councillor Nash. On being put to the vote, Councillor McKenna’s motion was passed.

RESOLVED – The application be deferred for further information to be sought.