Councillors will discuss proposals for a major residential development on the former Arla foods site off Kirkstall Road in Burley next month.
Developers Marshalls Commercial Development Projects has submitted outline permission for six blocks of around 640 rented flats on a site which is L-shaped, with the long side fronting the river.
Blocks would range between seven and 16 storeys high and the ground floor of the blocks would include flexible commercial space for cafés and small-scale retailing.
Planning permission would approve the principle of the development and access to the brownfield site, with other factors – such as the exact number and design of the flats – subject to a future application.
Vehicle access would be provided on Kirkstall Road with an ‘exit only’ on Washington Street. There would be parking for just over 240 cars on the site.
The applicant has also applied for full planning permission to demolish the existing former Arla office / depot building which fronts the site.
A planning officer’s report to be considered by councillors says the plans would act as a catalyst to regenerate the area. It added:
“This scheme represents an opportunity to continue the introduction of residential led development on the southern side of Kirkstall Rd following on from approval of the same at City Reach.
“It would, provide large areas of open space as well as connectivity to the waterfront and a new section of riverside walkway. The proposed residential use on this site is in line with national policy, as is the provision of affordable housing and this is clearly to be welcomed.”
The report will be considered at a meeting of the City Plans Panel on Thursday, 7 January at 1.30pm. The report can be read in full here.
WLD reported on pre-application discussions between the developer and Leeds council back in March.