Decision due for 104-home Micklefield development

The proposals for the site off Pit Lane would see 104 houses built.

However, local councillors claim the work would lead to a reduction in the size of a nearby allotments.

The plans, from housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, would see two one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, 38 three-bedroom and 34 four-bedroom houses built, with a mixture of “bungalows, townhouses, semi-detached and detached houses”.

A report by council officers adds that each house will have off-street parking spaces and include front and back gardens.

An objection to the plans was submitted by Kippax and Methley’s three ward councillors.

“We objected to the original application in October 2019 and have carefully

considered the revisions submitted in early May 2020,” they said.

“Our objection still stands as the fundamental divergence we believe that existed between the proposals contained in the application and current planning policy still remains despite the revisions.

“Especially in terms of the reduction in the allotment site, footpath accessibility and greenspace, Highways access proposals onto Great North Road.”

The plans also received 40 letters of objection and one letter of support from members of the public.

The objections related to the increase of vehicles, drainage issues, over-development of the site and a lack of affordable housing.

The site is included in the council’s site allocations plan (SAP), a document currently under review by the Government. It lists areas suitable for development across the city.

A report by council officers recommends the plans be approved in principle, with a final decision delegated to planning officers who will iron out any final details.

It reads: “The site is allocated for housing within the SAP and would satisfy the SAP site requirements. Accordingly, the principle of development of development accords with adopted policy and the application proposal also meets the policy requirements in respect of affordable housing, housing mix, greenspace, space standards, accessible housing and climate change.

“The development is considered to be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area. The proposed landscaping scheme is also considered acceptable with significant additional tree planting. Nor would it have a harmful impact on highway safety with no objections being received from the relevant technical consultees.

“In addition it would be fully compliant with regard to the appropriate planning obligations and the permission would be subject to appropriate planning conditions.”

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of Leeds City Council’s North and East Plans Panel on November 5.