Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre-application proposal for Reserved Matters (Layout, Scale, Appearance and Landscaping) for 2 part six, part eight storey office buildings and phases 1a & 1b of the City Park - pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref. 17/02501/OT (all matters reserved except for Access) for a phased mixed use development comprising demolition of existing buildings, up to 850 residential units (C3), business uses (B1), flexible commercial uses (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, D1, D2), hotel use (C1), public realm including a City Park and vehicular access, at the Former Tetley Brewery, Hunslet Road, Hunslet, Leeds,  LS10 1JQ

(Report attached)

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

pre-application proposal for Reserved Matters (Layout, Scale, Appearance and Landscaping) for 2 part six, part eight storey office buildings and phases 1a & 1b of the City Park - pursuant to Outline Planning Permission ref. 17/02501/OT (all matters reserved except for Access) for a phased mixed use development comprising demolition of existing buildings, up to 850 residential units (C3), business uses (B1), flexible commercial uses (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, D1, D2), hotel use (C1), public realm including a City Park and vehicular access, at the Former Tetley Brewery, Hunslet Road, Hunslet, Leeds,  LS10 1JQ.

Members visited the site prior to the meeting. 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

·  Masterplan

·  Park frontage

·  Concept design principles

·  Permeability through the site

·  Landscape design/ draw the Park into the buildings

·  The proposal is for 2 part six, part eight storey office buildings to achieve BREEAM excellent status

·  Parking/ motorcycle parking/ cycle parking

·  Phases 1a & 1b of the City Park

·  2 hectares of greenspace

·  Linkages to wider area

·  The new vision for the City Park

·  Character of the area, Gateway/ former Tetley training building/ multi use space

·  Links between buildings/ tree strategy

·  Biodiversity strategy

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

Buildings

·  One Member did not like the design of the buildings, this was a highly visible site and a much improved design was required

·  A number of Members were of the view that the detailed design quality of the buildings needed to improve

·  A number of Members were supportive of the use of brick as the principle material

·  It was suggested that the fenestration needs to change to vertical not horizontal

·  The buildings on-site should respond better to the wonderful (particularly historic) buildings that ‘frame’ the site and take inspiration from these

·  There would be a lot of traffic in this area, could some consideration be given to urban health, putting wellbeing at the heart of the design, consider the use of low carbon materials (including low carbon concrete) and the inclusion of green walls

The City Centre Park

·  Could more details be provided about the future management of and maintenance responsibility for the park, possibly through the use of a management company (LCC Parks and Countryside Service) and also the legacy of the park – with Members concerned to ensure that LCC Parks and Countryside Service would have sufficient resource for maintenance and management in perpetuity.

·  Where would the David Oluwale Memorial Garden be located

·  Could further details be provide about children’s play facilities (including the provisions intended to ensure ongoing maintenance of the same) and would this be a secure area

·  Could consideration also be given to the provision of adult ‘play’ or exercise facilities

·  In terms of landscaping Members emphasised the need to create the necessary ground conditions to allow the trees/ greenery to flourish. Could the species of trees to be planted be identified and included within the formal application

·  Thought should be given to ensuring that a positive experience is provided for the public throughout the year, including the autumn and winter seasons

·  Could consideration be given to plants and hedgerow species which would  assist bee pollination

·  Pathways and all facilities provided in the Park should be compliant to ensure equality of access for all, including those with disabilities

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

·  Members were supportive of the emerging layout and scale but further work was required on the appearance of plot MU3a Offices

·  Members were supportive of the emerging layout and landscape design of the proposed City Park Phase 1a and 1b subject to the inclusion of robust maintenance arrangements and further consideration of the species of trees to be planted.

·   There were no issues raised about the proposed car parking and servicing provision at the site

The Chair thanked the developers for their attendance and presentation suggesting that Members appeared to be generally supportive of the scheme but further details were required on the appearance of the buildings and provisions for park management / maintenance.

RESOLVED –

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

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