Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officers which sets out details of a Pre – Application Proposal for Reserved Matters for Appearance, Landscaping and scale for office buildings at Nos; 11&12 Wellington Place with ground floor retail and Café/ Restaurant Units (PREAPP/ 19/00123) and associated amendments to previously agreed outline application (18/07929/OT) for Phase 2, Wellington Place, Leeds, LS14AP

(Report attached)

With reference to the meeting of 27th June 2019 and the decision to approve in principle the outline scheme for Wellington Place Phase 2 (Application No. 18/07929/OT), the Chief Planning Officer now submitted a report which set out details of a pre-application proposal for Reserved Matters for appearance, landscaping and scale for office buildings at Nos: 11& 12 Wellington Place with ground floor retail and Café/ Restaurant units (PREAPP/19/00123) and associated amendments to the previously agreed outline, Phase 2 stage at  2 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP.

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

·  These sites are located in the centre of Wellington Place, to the north of the Government Office Building at 7 & 8 Wellington Place (currently under construction) and fronting the main pedestrian east/west route which runs through the site from Northern Street in the north-east, to the listed viaduct and River Aire in the west.

·  The proposal is in keeping with the character of the existing completed buildings on Wellington Street varying in height from 4 to 9 storeys

·  The outline permission (18/07929/OT) considered by Panel in June 2019 is to be updated to reflect revised layout for plots 11 and 12:

-  The northern extent of the building lines of Buildings 11 & 12 to be moved further south by up to 10m at the western end in order to avoid an underground drainage feature, resulting in a reduction in the overall plot sizes.

-  Construction of a bridge from 4th to 9th floor, over the space between

  Buildings 11 & 12.

-  Relocation of the basement car park entrance from the space between

  Buildings 11 & 12, to the north-west corner of Building 12.

-  Relocation of the proposed hotel from Building 11 to Building 13 which fronts the river.

-  The overall maximum quantum of development (150,407 sqm) remains  unchanged, the heights of the buildings set out in the parameter plans is not proposed to be altered (10 storeys for Building 11 and 11 storeys for Building 12).

·  The concept of the design is industrial heritage, the building steps down to the level of the Listed lifting tower which is in close proximity to the development

·  Materials to complement the darker material of the Lifting Tower and viaduct, bronzed metal framing with silver linings. The base is a series of vertical columns which become colonnade around the primary corners

·  Active frontages with linkages throughout the site 

·  Basement car parking 85 spaces (maximum) other uses include cycle storage and a gym (optional)

·  Proposed greenery/ landscaping throughout the estate

·  The proposal would achieve BREEAM excellent status

·  Roof terraces overlooking Tower Square

Members raised the following questions:

·  It is proposed to relocate the car park entrance to the north-western corner of Building No.12. Would buses be able to gain access to this area

·  Is the proposed new development in keeping with the existing character of the area

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

·  Members were informed that there was ongoing discussions around public transport and there was potential for buses to access this area

·  Members were informed that guidance had been taken from the Masterplan, the character of the existing completed buildings on Wellington Place were of a similar architectural style with stone elevations and strong fenestration patterns with vertical emphasis towards the top of the buildings, where the roof slopes were a dominant feature

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  Members were supportive of the colour pallet but sample material panels would require submission 

·  One Member suggested that the buildings would benefit from lighter coloured materials to help reflect daylight

·  One Member stated that the appearance of the soffit to the central walkway was uninspiring

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

·  Members were supportive of the proposed changes to the outline design parameters

·  Generally Members were of the view that the proposed elevations, as described and presented, were of sufficient quality to be acceptable in this location

·  Members were of the view that more detail of the landscaping proposals was required

·  Members considered the parking and servicing provisions, as described and presented, were appropriate and acceptable

·  That the future Reserved Matters for Buildings 11 &12 for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale be brought back to Panel for Members consideration 

The Chair thanked the developers for their attendance and presentation suggesting that Members appeared to be generally supportive of the development, the appearance of the building was a key issue for Members so could sample materials be provide.

RESOLVED –

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

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

That the changes to the Wellington Place Phase 2 outline application ref. 18/07919/OT substituting the parameter plans for those originally agreed by Members at City Plans Panel on 27th June 2019, be approved (noting that the above amendments are required to accommodate the first phase of development for 2 buildings (Buildings 11 & 12)).