New housing blocks for east Leeds?

Planning permission had been given back in 2018 to a version of the plans which included 300 flats, a health centre and GP surgery, car parking and landscaping on the site between Marsh Lane and Flax Lane in Richmond Hill.

The new proposals include 350 homes, and no GP surgery/health centre, with a ground floor communal area in its place.

A report by Leeds City Council planning officers into the plans states the scheme would be built over two stepped blocks of 11 and 15 storeys – taller than the original proposals which stood at 10 and 14 storeys respectively.

The vast majority of flats will be split between one and two bedrooms.

The report adds: “The site is approximately 0.5 hectares and is currently an open, but overgrown, brownfield patch of land which sits in an area of changing character.

“Traditionally the surrounding area has had a mix of commercial industrial and residential uses, however in recent years this mix has changed introducing much more residential dwellings, in tall buildings, as well as some hotel and office uses.”

It added that local councillors had expressed concerns about the increase in the height of the blocks, the façade treatment, the loss of the potential GP surgery, and the light and privacy impacts on existing residents in Saxton Gardens.

Council officers said the applicant spoke to NHS and local health providers, who stated that they had no plans for a new doctor’s surgery in the area, while a proposal is currently being developed for a new health centre in nearby Lincoln Green.

The council report added: “In conclusion 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.

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

The report recommends the plans be approved in principle and delegated to officers, subject to contributions from the developer to public transport and employment schemes.

Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel will meet to discuss the plans on January 7.