Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a pre-allocation proposal for alterations and improvements including

a new entrance onto New Station Street, the pedestrianisation of New Station Street, the provision of cycle hub, the upgrading of pedestrian routes from Bishopgate Street onto Neville Street and Dark Neville Street and the provision of segregated cycle routes and associated works.

(Report attached)

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

Pre-allocation proposal for alterations and improvements including

a new entrance onto New Station Street, the pedestrianisation of New Station Street, the provision of cycle hub, the upgrading of pedestrian routes from Bishopgate Street onto Neville Street and Dark Neville Street and the provision of segregated cycle routes and associated works.

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

·  Development of a multi-modal transport interchange.

·  Pedestrianisation of New Station Street from the junction with Boar Lane to the point where it meets City Square, with only service vehicles and British Transport Police vehicles allowed access

·  Major improvements to the main entrance, enhancing the image of the station and creating a gateway to the city.

·  Complete re-design and re-building of the station entrance connecting

  Bishopgate and key pedestrian access routes to the east and south of   the city centre.

·  Accessibility improvements through the installation of new pedestrian lifts connecting Bishopgate and the station entrance.

·  Enhanced pedestrian and cycle friendly routes through Neville Street, Dark Neville Street and Victoria Road to actively promote sustainable forms of transport.

·  Improving connectivity across the city centre by installing high quality cycle lanes on key strategic gaps in the city centre.

·  Installation of the 700 storage cycle hub at the junction of Bishopgate Street with the Neville Street Bridge providing connectivity from the Station to the cycle routes around Leeds centre and wider district. The cycle hub will include space for electric bikes and is expected to offer maintenance and repair services in addition to storage facilities.

·  Infrastructure improvements will help support the Climate Emergency agenda by encouraging uptake of sustainable forms of transport.

Members raised the following questions:

·  Solutions were needed for pick-up and drop-off area at the Aire Street entrance

·  The proposal is to reduce traffic on Neville Street, where will the traffic be redirected to

·  The creation of a 700 space cycle hub appeared too large, was it necessary to be so big

·  Taxis waiting on Concordia Street may become problematic

·  The proposed cycle lane within the dark arches, could it be repositioned down one side and not down the centre of the street as currently proposed

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

·  It was reported that this was the first stage of a bigger plan. New Bus Schemes, new highway layout and revised taxi and private hire arrangements all required addressing but work would only be carried out as funds became available. Traffic flow around City Square has its own programme but the presented proposals were part of a more holistic solution

·  Members were informed that other similar cycle hub schemes in Sheffield and Exeter were well used

·  Members were advised that Taxis queuing on Concordia Street was just one option, ranks could also be located on Call Lane and Sovereign Street but further consultation was required

·  It was suggested that due consideration would be given by officers to the repositioning of the cycle lane running through Neville Street/ Dark Neville Street.

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  This would be a very demanding scheme, make sure you plan for unintended consequences.

·  A number of Members welcomed the provision of a large cycle hub, suggesting it was a really positive step forward

·  The proposals for the new station were welcomed but the whole area needs to be looked at and the proposals understood within this wider station context.

In offering comments on the officers’ questions in the report:

·  Members supported the emerging building design and proposal to remove the wall to Bishopgate Street

·  Members supported the emerging landscape scheme

·  Members supported the approach to traffic calming and pedestrian/ cycle improvements subject to a detailed Transport Assessment and subject to more information on wider proposals for the station area.

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

RESOLVED –

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

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