'Too big and too ugly': Plans for Richmond Hill tower blocks in Leeds unanimously rejected

Developers had wanted to build two tower blocks on derelict land between Marsh Lane and Flax Lane in Richmond Hill, measuring 11 and 15 storeys-high.

Between them, they would have offered 350 flats.

Previous plans to develop the site were approved in 2018, but were never built. They had included fewer individual properties, but had featured a health centre, green space and a shop.

The new proposals cut those communal features out however, because the developers said the scheme was unviable with them.

Objectors and local councillors were critical of this and the design of the building, which it was claimed would hinder the view of the city for neighbouring residents.

Speaking at a plans panel meeting on Thursday, where the issue was discussed, Richmond Hill native Mike Heckman, said: "I ask members of the panel, would you want to wake up to that? Would you want to see that view on a morning?

"It's too tall, it's too overbearing and there's no community facilities.

"By all means build on the land, but build something smaller, build something that can be part of the community and build something beautiful - the bulding is as ugly as sin."

It was also claimed the scheme would make parking issues in the area worse, while there was also criticism of the fact that just three per cent of the flats would have been classed as affordable housing.

Representing the developers, Michelle Davies, said that figure was as high as it could possibly be to make the scheme viable.

She told the panel: "It's a well thought out scheme, with a high-quality design which will bring socio-economic benefits to the city. It's deliverable and it will get built."

Explaining the axing of communal features, Ms Davies said that the local NHS had not identified a need for a GP surgery in the area.

She added: "All of these aspects of why the previous scheme has not gone forward is because it's not been possible to find the backers to do it.

"It's a challenging site in viability terms but the scheme we have before us is one that does work."

But while council officers had recommended the plans be approved on the basis it met standards, all 13 councillors on the panel voted to reject them

Coun Asghar Khan, who represents Richmond Hill, said: "I can't support this development. The building is awful. It doesn't blend in with the area.

"There's no provision for health or for retail. The building is too large and it will block the view for residents in this area."

Local Democracy Reporting Service