Plan to build dozens of new homes in north Leeds set for go-ahead despite objections

Leeds City Council’s south and west plans panels is set to decide on the fate of plans for the homes on land off Church Lane, Adel – and a report from council officers recommends permission be granted.

The report added 35 of the homes would be classed as affordable, while all properties would be two-storey and constructed from either red brick or reconstituted stone with grey or red roofs.

A third of the houses would have solar panels within the proposed roofs, while the application also includes a water pump for a nearby beck.

Outline planning permission for the site was already granted, and includes the building of a school – but the school does not form part of this reserved matters application.

The application follows a number of objections to the development of the site by locals, including councillors Barry and Caroline Anderson.

Their letter outlined a number of issues with the site, including: “The 100 houses proposed in this updated layout is still far too many for the size of the site. The Site Allocations Plan stated 85 houses and if this number was adhered to a much improved layout could be achieved.

“The layout remains cramped, out of keeping with the area and no thought has been given to making this a special development to fit in with its place in the fringe of Adel and next to the Conservation Area and opposite a 12th Century parish church.

“It does not appear that the plans are very different from the original proposals. The site layout has changed again but makes no attempt to meet the housing mix that planners want; it has created nothing better.

"There are now no bungalows proposed we would like to see bungalows on this site which could be easily accommodated with a layout for 85 houses or less.”

There were also issues raised as to the location of a pumping station that was included in the plans.

However, the report from Leeds City Council officers claims enough has been done to the plans in order to make them acceptable.

It stated: “As set out in this report, this application has been the subject of lengthy and ongoing discussions with the developer, in order to taking into account comments made by officers, members and the community.

“A number of factors have therefore been taken into account and based upon the balance of considerations, overall officers consider that the proposed development is acceptable and policy complaint.

“There has been regard to its design and layout (in reflecting the local character and vernacular), complying with housing standards in terms of size and layout.

“The housing mix is acceptable with the level of affordable housing is considered to be appropriate for this site. The access has previously been approved at outline stage with the internal layout being acceptable.

“Impact on trees and ecology has been taken into account with the proposed development providing more trees and a net gain in biodiversity terms.

“The pumping station and underground tank are considered acceptable solution for surface water drainage. The proposed development seeks to address the climate emergency declaration by virtue of it is policy compliance and is considered acceptable.

“On balance when taking all these consideration into account officers recommend this application be approved subject to the conditions set out above.”

The application will be heard at Leeds City Council’s south and west plans panel on Thursday, June 4.