Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre-application presentation for proposed residential development at Lisbon Square, Lisbon Street, Leeds LS1 4LY.

(Report attached)

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

Pre-application proposal for residential development at Lisbon Square, Lisbon Street, Leeds, LS1 4LY.

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

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

·  Site location/ context

·  Proximity to Inner Ring Road

·  Development to consist of two buildings 24 and 15 storey’s in height at their highest points

·  155 apartments, 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments all meet national space standards

·  Co Living concept

·  Access arrangements

·  Car parking

·  Connectivity

·  5% Affordable housing provision (On site)

Members raised the following questions:

·  Could an explanation be provided as to the concept of Co Living

·  Would the affordable housing provision be provided on site and would all tenants have access to the shared facilities

·  The proposed roof gardens, would one be located on each building

·  Would a noise impact assessment be undertaken

·  Would all apartments have acceptable levels of daylight penetration

·  Had balconies been considered

·  Was there any proposals to include energy efficient measures within the development

·  Could more 3 bedroomed apartments be included within the development

·  The disabled access arrangements appeared to be too convoluted, could access be simplified

In responding to the issues raised, the applicant’s representative said:

·  Members were informed that Co Living was rented accommodation, usually apartments aimed at young professionals. Typically the utility bills would be included within the rent. The block would also include work spaces and communal lounges, roof top gardens and gyms to promote community style living.

·  The applicant confirmed that the affordable housing would be “pepper potted” throughout the development and all residents would have access to the shared facilities

·  It was confirmed that roof gardens would be included on each building

·  The applicant confirmed that a noise quality assessment would be undertaken

·  The applicant confirmed that each apartment would have floor to ceiling windows to provide maximum daylight penetration

·  It was confirmed that balconies had been considered but proved too costly and the floor to ceiling windows was the preferred option

·  It was suggested by the applicant that energy efficient proposals would be addressed at the reserved matters stage

·  The applicant suggested that the Co Living model was aimed at young professionals, however, there was a degree of flexibility within the Core Strategy around the provision of 3 bedroom apartments and further consideration would be given to this issue

·  The applicant confirmed that there was full disabled access to both buildings but in view of the comments made by Members consideration would be given to simplifying those arrangements, with the possible inclusion of platform lifts to provide improved access to the building.

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  This building, in this location would be a significant presence and a high quality design would be required

·  Could sample materials be supplied

·  The front of the building was only accessible by steps. The pedestrian access should be looked at again to include access for people with disabilities

·  Could further consideration be given to the provision of public realm and on/ off site amenity space

·  Some of the windows arrangements appeared to be “too blocky”

·  Could the provision of balconies be reconsidered (It was suggested that if balconies were to be included they should be recessed)

·  A small number of Members requested the provision of more 3 bedroom apartments

·  One Member suggested the proposed development was not suitable for family accommodation

·  Could a Masterplan for the City Centre be provided

(In responding to the later point, the Chief Planning Officer said that the tall buildings strategy covered this part of the city and in the not too distant future 3D modelling may become available. However the proposals could be shown in the emerging context)

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

·  Members were of the view that the proposed scale of the development and its relationship with the surrounding context was acceptable, however a quality design was required

·  Members were supportive of a mix of apartments in the development but requested consideration be given to increasing the number of 3 bed apartments

·  Members requested that further consideration be given to the arrangements for disabled access

·  Members were of the view that the development should deliver amenity space improvements beyond the immediate site boundary.

The Chair thanked the developers for their attendance and presentation suggesting that Members appeared to be generally supportive of the scheme

RESOLVED –

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

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