Early plans for 618 flats on the Former Arla Foods site on Kirkstall Road will come before councillors for initial feedback this week.
Developers Glenbrook Properties is hoping to build a mainly residential-led development of five blocks of apartments with commercial space at ground floor level.
The blocks range between seven to 13 storeys high and there would be 230 surface level car parking spaces The proposal includes the demolition of the existing former Arla depot building which fronts the site.
A centrally positioned new east/west spine road would run through the site, which would include public open spaces.
Councillors will offer feedback to the developers on their vision for the site ahead of a more formal planning application being submitted in the future. While members will offer guidance on layout and scale design and electric vehicle charging points, no final decisions will be taken at this stage.
A planning officer’s report to be considered by councillors states:
“This scheme represents an opportunity to regenerate a mostly cleared brownfield site on the southern side of Kirkstall Road. The emerging proposals would provide large areas of open space as well as connectivity to the waterfront and a new section of riverside walkway.
“It is considered that the emerging form and scale of the proposal is considered to enhance the character of this part of Kirkstall Road and help to deliver the identified housing need in the development plan.”
Outline plans for more than 630 flats on the site from a different developer were originally approved in principle by councillors in January 2021, despite concerns on the impact of extra traffic on the already busy A65.
The proposals will be discussed at next Thursday’s City Plans Panel meeting at Leeds Civic Hall. The agenda, papers and video link to the live meeting can be found here.