A former scrap metal plant in Stanningley has moved a step closer to being transformed into 40 homes after initial outline plans were unanimously approved by councillors.
Members of the south and west planning committee approved the principle of building houses and a block of four flats at the vacant site off Town Street in Stanningley.
Developer Redstart Robinson had applied to Leeds City Council for outline planning permission. More detailed plans, including the design of the properties, will be brought forward for final approval at a future date.
A council planning report said more than 30 objections were received by people living nearby. Concerns included the size and appearance of the development, and potential loss of privacy for nearby homes.
But the project had been reduced from 79 homes to 40 after plans were first drawn up.
Concerns over the project also included a lack of affordable housing being provided by the developer. Councillors heard a financial assessment found that a requirement for 15 per cent of the homes being classed as affordable would not be viable. Their claims were backed up by the independent district valuer.
Cllr Kevin Ritchie (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) said the three ward councillors support the principle of housing on the site but said the lack of affordable housing was ‘a huge disappointment’.
He welcomed an off-site contribution to improve nearby Stanningley Park but called for an extra £24,000 to support off-site greenspace. He urged deferral of the application on those points.
Helen Rogers, planning agent for the developer, described the current use of the site as ‘unneighbourly, unsightly and a nuisance’ and a source of conflict for local residents.
She said it was in a sustainable location and would bring a variety of one, two, three and four bedroom properties to the area.
The site has been subject to noise complaints and enforcement action when it was a scrap yard.
Armley Labour councillor Andy Parnham welcomed the proposals. He said: “I like it. I think it’s good. It is a brownfield site.”
Councillor Penny Stables (Green, Wetherby) said: “I think it is a really good development. We have been to see the site and it is awful and it will make a massive improvement.”
Part of the site which previously housed the North Sea Chinese Restaurant, was subject to a public consultation over plans to build a McDonald’s drive thru restaurant late last year. The parcel of land is not part of the housing application and WLD understands a full planning application for the restaurant is likely to be submitted later this year.