Eco-homes vision for ex-foundry Leeds site

Developer Citu wants to build a complex of zero carbon footprint homes, run on unconventional heating, on the 1.6m hectare brownfield land plot in Clarence Road in Hunslet which once housed the Hydro Aluminium plant.

The site lies between Clarence Road and the River Aire, to the south of Leeds Dock, and the development would form part of the wider South Bank regeneration vision for the city.

The land has been vacant since 2005 when the foundry closed, and the buildings have subsequently been demolished.

A pre-application report presented to Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel said: “The scheme has potential to contribute to the planned new housing provision - over 6,500 homes - and placemaking opportunities for this area.

The proposal would bring a long term vacant and unsightly building and site back into active use, and bring new jobs and skills to the area.

“This scheme is a significant regeneration opportunity that will contribute to the delivery of the council’s vision for the South Bank.”

The proposal includes 205 homes built to “high sustainability standards”.

The futuristic complex - in a style already trialled on the continent - would feature shared “glazed winter gardens” and electric car charging points on-site. Homeowners would control energy remotely via a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The proposed homes would also be constructed to a “zero-carbon” standard which means that they would not require conventional heating.