New £9m Leeds City Council environmental services HQ planned

Leeds City Council is planning to spend more than £9m on a new headquarters for its environmental services department.
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A document from the council states that a new depot and operational centre for its waste management in Cross Green, as it claims its current site in Henshaw Lane and Knowsthorpe Way do not have the capacity to safely deal with waste.

Council decision-makers are this week expected to approve £9.076m to be spent on a new facility in Newmarket Approach, which would include office space, as well as a bin lorry depot and waste-disposal facilities.

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The report stated: “The existing depot facilities do not have the required capacity to deal with waste management safely (Henshaw Lane in particular presents operational risks due to a lack of capacity) and they do not allow for any changes to service or provision for additional collections.

Newmarket Approach, where the new site would be based. (Pic: Google Maps)Newmarket Approach, where the new site would be based. (Pic: Google Maps)
Newmarket Approach, where the new site would be based. (Pic: Google Maps)

“The current split site arrangement results in duplication of resources and the requirement for additional vehicles in the event of temporary breakdowns or fleet failures. In addition, since the opening of the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) the existing sites are no longer the most efficient location for the refuse collection service to operate from.”

A full description of the scheme includes construction of three-storey office block, as well as two large workshops for on-site vehicle repairs and maintenance. A refuelling station, drive through vehicle wash and 90 parking spaces for all refuse collection vehicles will also be housed on the site.

The scheme is anticipated to get planning permission later this month, with the facility up and running in December 2021.

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The report concludes: “In order to provide the required facilities to replace outdated and inadequate operational bases and to enable Environmental Services to further improve the efficiency of delivery, including a reduced management resource, it is necessary to undertake the project detailed herein.”

Members of Leeds City Council’s Executive Board are expected to give initial approval to the scheme at a meeting this week.