Council decision-makers will next week discuss multi-million pound plans for housing and a commercial unit in the heart of Kirkstall.
Developers Artisan want to redevelop the mostly derelict former Kirkstall District Centre site with up to 263 dwellings and flexible commercial floorspace which could be used as shops or offices.
But the plans for the Kirkstall Place development were submitted in March, and a number of concerns have been raised locally about traffic in an already congested area.
Artisan’s negotiations with Leeds City Council planning officers appear to have reached an impasse.
Members of Leeds City Council’s city plans panel will next Thursday be invited to comment and offer guidance to the developer on a number of key areas.
These include the scheme’s financial viability, provision of affordable housing, greenspace and highways issues.
A council report states that road mitigation works will be required on the A65 Commercial Road at Beecroft Street, Savins Mill Way and Kirkstall Lane, as well as mitigating the impact on the congested A65/Kirkstall Lane and Savins Mill Way junctions.
The report also says the District Valuer has undertaken an independent review has said the developer should be allowed a profit margin of 19.59%
It’s suggested the developer should also pay £1.3 million to the council, which includes costs towards a Residential Travel Fund, local infrastructure improvements, footpath widening and a controlled parking zone in the area.
Members will be asked whether they consider the amount of the proposed affordable housing – reduced from 40 units to 22 – acceptable.
They will also look at the limited greenspace on the site, whether they consider the parking provision acceptable and have the chance to raise concerns regarding materials or design.
No decision on the scheme will be made next week, with the plans due to come back before the panel for a final decision in due course.
Scheme proposals
Artisan are proposing 263 dwellings with a mixture of house types:
- Apartments (Total 183 units) 32 x 1 bed units 151 x 2 bed units
- Townhouses (Total 80 units) 27 x 2 bed units 42 x 3 bed units 11 x 3/4 bed units
Parking will be via undercroft spaces and on-street, totalling 231 spaces.
Access into the development is to be taken from Beecroft Street via three separate access roads. A fourth restricted access road is included to allow for emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles to access the houses that front Kirkstall Hill and access will be controlled.
View the plans in full here.
The traffic is so bad because theres a high footfall in that area therefore a lot more crossing point.
I dont like the idea of developing the brownfield sights by cramming on as much floor space as possible.
It would be lovely to see something different there. A scheme to develop a sustainable space that shows off design and consideration for the ecosystems that exist in Kirkstall. More buildings mean fewer safe habitats for our wildlife.
Do something better than the proposal.
No more development on the kirkstall road area, schools cant cope, roads cant cope nature cant cope.