Decision due on ‘100 per cent affordable’ housing scheme on former Leeds City College site

The panel had met back in October 2020 to make a decision on the plans, but it was agreed further discussions about improving the design were needed, particularly as the site sat in the greenbelt.

A report by Leeds City Council officers says meetings have taken place between the architect and planning officials, and that the layout has since been redesigned in an attempt to fit in better with its surroundings.

According to the report, the site will now be split into three separate “character areas”. The northern side of the site would include a “Victorian”-style terraced-style housing , which would include 24 flats. The centre of the site would have a “suburban”-style semi-detached two-storey houses, while the south of the site would focus on larger-sized family houses.

It added other improvements had been made to the overall design, including more green spaces and cycle and pedestrian access.

In a rare move for developers, the plans, brought forward by the college along with Galliford Try Partners and Stonewater, will contain a 100 per cent affordable housing provision.

The report concludes: “The developer has made changes (in consultation with officers) to both the layout and the design of the development as well as to the individual house types with properties now being more bespoke to the site as well as to their local environment, taking on board elements from properties within the Horsforth area.

“This has further enhanced the three “character areas” described above which is considered to be an improvement upon the previous layout and design.

“The development is considered acceptable and approval is recommended.”

Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel will meet on Thursday, February 25 to decide whether to approve the plans.