Decision deferred on Meanwood H-shaped block of over-55s flats

Plans to build an H-shaped, four-storey structure of 58 apartments for over-55s on a site near Grove Lane, Meanwood would, claim developers, provide extra care for older people in the community.

However, the application has now had more than 300 objections from locals, some of whom told the meeting of the council’s north and east plans panel that it would be out of character with the neighbourhood, and that the green space should remain.

Representing the developers, a planning consultant told the meeting that the site was not accessible and had a “low ecological baseline”, claiming the proposals were a high quality design.

Objector Nigel Lees told a meeting of the north and east plans panel: “There are more than 300 local objections to this.

“It is wholly out of character with the built neighbourhood.”

“We are worried about the parking provision by way of a traffic regulation order to grove lane and its grass verges and trees – overspill parking could be dangerous to traffic.”

“The height of the building is totally overbearing,” claimed another objector, Andrew Doherty. “People are driving for longer and longer.

“I had an uncle die recently who was driving beyond the age of 90. Self-driving cars are going to come in and you are going to need a lot more parking spaces per person than is being allowed.”

Objector Zoe Main added: “The proposed structure will rise a further six feet from us and block our sun by day and disturbing us.

“The two green fields at the side of the goit should remain forever green, and it will be a huge betrayal if development is now allowed.

“The local community have been working hard to keep this is a beautiful valley bottom with kingfishers, foxes, owls and even roe deer, green.

“This land is not even designated for development.”

Jay Everett, a planning consultant, spoke on behalf of applicants Roseville (The Paddock) Ltd.

He said: “The site has no specific amenity value. It’s not publicly accessible, and the site has a low ecological baseline.

“The design solution has evolved over some time – it did include a pre-application submission in 2018. Since then there has been dialogue and discussion over the design.

“The final design is a high quality contemporary design which respects its setting and its context.

“The applicants have responded positively to suggestions – windows have been removed from the upper floors and it has been set further back.

“If approved this will provide important housing and economic benefits for the city.”

He added a ball stop net at eight metres high would be installed to avoid rugby balls hitting the side of the building from nearby pitches.