Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a pre-application presentation for a new 522 bed purpose built student accommodation and associated external works and landscaping.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented a pre-application for a new 604 bed purpose built student accommodation and associated external works and landscaping at Carlton Hill.

Members visited the site prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the presentation.

The following was highlighted:

·  The proposals were for replacement of the existing student accommodation at the site.

·  The proposals would provide affordable quality accommodation for students and had the full support of the University of Leeds.

·  The whole site would be redeveloped and existing buildings would be replaced.

·  The proposed new building would be 15 storeys at the south of the site and 6 storeys at the north.

·  Vehicular access would be from Carlton Hill.

·  There would be courtyard areas and roof top terraces.

·  Existing pedestrian access would be retained.

·  There had been significant negotiations between planning officers and the developer.  The original scheme had presented a 23 storey building.

The applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel.  The following was highlighted:

·  It was hoped to have the development ready for the beginning of the 2022/23 academic year.

·  The proposals had been designed with the interests of student wellbeing.

·  There had been negotiation with planning officers regarding the positioning of the proposed buildings within the site and the relationship with the adjacent primary school.

·  Wind and shading analysis work had been carried out.

·  There were unique design elements which included a fully landscaped courtyard and sky gardens.

·  There were sustainable features – the building was fully powered by electric and there would be use of photovoltaics.

·  Bedrooms would be oversized at 20% over the minimum standards.

·  The applicant had worked closely with the University of Leeds during the development of the proposals.

·  The applicant provided accommodation for over 3,000 students in Leeds.

·  The accommodation was intended for undergraduate students.

·  There would be no onsite parking other than disabled spaces and it would be a pedestrian site.

In response to comments and questions from the Panel, the following was discussed:

·  Social spaces would include a large foyer, lounges, kitchens and sky gardens.  There would be space for social events.

·  Kitchens would have washing facilities.  There would not be a specific laundry.

·  Other communal facilities would include a small gym and event spaces.

·  The site would remain open and be used as a thoroughfare.

·  The shading analysis had shown that there would be no overshadowing during the summer months and during the winter there would only be shading of the bottom half of the school playing fields.

·  The site would be covered by a monitored CCTV system and there would be a 24 hour security presence.

·  Building materials – it was intended to use reconstituted stone with glazing and panels to give a sophisticated but simple effect.

·  There would be pick up and drop off points within the site and managed arrangements would be in place for arrivals and departures at the beginning and end of term.

·  There were no plans for any blue infrastructure within the landscaping.

·  In response to questions outlined in the report, the following was discussed:

o  Members considered the proposed use of the site for student accommodation as acceptable.

o  Members agreed that the living conditions within the student accommodation would be acceptable.

o  Members considered that the proposed mass and form of the development and its relationship with the surrounding area was acceptable.  It was expressed that shadowing should be minimal.

o  It was considered that the development should deliver improvements to the pedestrian environment in the area beyond the immediate periphery of the site and that there should be improvements to the pedestrian crossing on the ring road.

RESOLVED – That the presentation and discussion be noted.