20-storey block planned for east Leeds

A proposal for a “stepped building” at land off Foundry Street and Saxton Lane is set to include 204 “build to rent” apartments, more than half of which would be one-bedroom and between 39-44 square metres in size. A third would have two bedrooms, 24 with three bedrooms and one boasting four bedrooms.

The application, submitted by Modernistic Ventures Ltd, would also include 206 cycle spaces, car parking and “amenity space” on the roof and edges of the site.

The site, off Marsh Lane and bound by Saxton Lane and Foundry Street, currently includes a car service and MOT centre, as well as car parking.

Permission had previously been approved for a nine-storey student block on the site had been approved in 2004, but work was never started.

A report into the scheme by Leeds City Council planning officers concluded: “It is considered that the proposal is an appropriate use, scale, design and style for this site which would result in a high quality, appropriate development.

“Although the full policy requirement for affordable housing cannot be met, the reduced amount has been justified by a financial viability assessment that has been verified as acceptable by the district valuer.

“The scheme would bring much needed housing as well as adding to the vibrancy and vitality to the area and furthering its regeneration to the benefit of both the existing and emerging community in the wider area.

“Therefore on balance the proposal is in accordance with the Development Plan and is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval, subject to the conditions.”

The conditions suggested include requiring the developer to offer £700,000 worth of affordable accommodation, contributing £51,000 to a travel fund and including charging points for electric vehicles.

Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel is set to meet to discuss the plans on March 11.