By John Baron
Contested plans to build 120 homes on a former banking site near Dawsons Corner were approved in principle by councillors today.
As reported by WLD last year, a development of affordable houses and flats is proposed by Breck Homes and Bank of Scotland on land formerly occupied by Lloyds Banking Group on Cote Lane, Farsley.
Councillors on the West Plans Panel this afternoon agreed the plans – which include a mix of flats, maisonettes and family homes – should be built on land near Dawson’s Corner.
Speaking against the application, Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) told the meeting he did not object to affordable housing on the site, but raised concern about its density, damage to infrastructure and the impact on local residents.
Cllr Carter argued the proposals warranted greater public consultation, pointed to inadequate on-site greenspace provision, and the need for a local lettings policy “so residents in my constituency get a fair crack of the whip” at securing properties.
He also pointed to “woefully insufficient” efforts to ameliorate traffic issues. “Richmond Road, in particular, we are talking about day-long traffic, not just peak hours,” he added.
Speaking in favour of the application, Councillor Craig Timmins (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) acknowledged local concerns but said there was a ‘strong case’ for supporting the application.
“We often hear support for affordable housing schemes in principle, but opposition when schemes come forward,” Cllr Timmins said. “If we are serious about tackling Leeds’s housing shortage, we must be prepared to support well-designed developments on suitable brownfield sites.
“This proposal regenerates an empty site, delivers affordable homes, improves the environmental quality and supports sustainable growth. For those reasons I support the application.”
He also called for a Dawsons Corner masterplan to take into account cumulative impact of this and future developments on the area and road infrastructure.
Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said no one would argue against more affordable housing, but was concerned that green space on site was ‘little more than a gesture’. He also remained unconvinced about the ‘poor’ housing design, particularly the ‘minute’ windows. He also said he was not convinced about the highways implications.
Cllr Angela Wallis (Cons, Harewood) added: “It appears there is far too little greenspace and too many properties on that land.”
Councillors unanimously voted to approve the plans in principle, with the decision delegated to the city’s chief planning officer for final approval. This would be subject to financial contributions from the developer, including more than £260,000 towards green space improvements in the city.
Plans for the site were revised after the same applicants proposed to build 133 homes on the former call centre site last year.
The Plans West report can be read in full here.
Watch the plans panel meeting in full below:
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Cote Lane simply isn’t adequate for the increase in traffic this proposal will bring.
It handled it when people were working in the building.