Decision delayed on Armley Gyratory flats scheme

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A decision on whether 384 flats can be built next to a busy traffic junction has been delayed by councillors.

Concerns were raised over the provision of green space and affordable housing as part of the project next to Armley Gyratory.

Developer UCR Leeds sought permission to build apartments in blocks of up to 18 storeys on land at Armley Road and Wellington Road.

Leeds City Council’s city plans panel was recommended to approve the scheme at a meeting on Thursday.

But the decision was deferred to allow further negotiations with the developer.

The meeting was told that under housing policy 20 per cent of the flats – some 77 homes – should be classed as affordable rent.

But the developer was offering to provide just seven discount rents because the full requirement was not financially viable.

Panel member Dan Cohen, Conservative councillor for Alwoodley, said: “I think the amount of affordable being provided here is really woeful.”

Colin Campbell, Otley and Yeadon Liberal Democrat member, also raised concerns over the affordable homes contribution and lack of green space. He said: “I think it’s insufficient.”

Coun Campbell proposed that the decision was deferred for further discussions on issues also including the design of the scheme.

He questioned why the developer was proposing to include padel tennis court in the project.

Coun Campbell said: “I wonder whether it would be better for that to be green space.”

The panel was told the project was fully compliant with council planning policies. But members voted for deferral in a split decision.

A report to the meeting said an independent review found the project could not meet the full affordable homes requirement. The scheme would be re-assessed when 75 per cent of flats were occupied.

The developer could be required to provide the full 20 per cent if it was deemed financially viable at that stage.

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