Plans to convert a former student halls of residence into affordable flats for graduates and young professionals in Kirkstall are set to be decided next week.
Developers Elite Private Residences are hoping to convert the former halls at 101 Commercial Road, Kirkstall, into 36 flats. The building is currently empty and has been the subject of vandalism
But Kirkstall councillors have expressed concerns about the size of the apartments, with Cllr John Illngworth (Lab) labelling some of them ‘cramped’.
The developer has reduced the number of units proposed from 58 to 36 to accommodate those comments but six of the flats still remain smaller than the national standard recommended for accommodation.
Plans also include the demolition of a building to the rear of the flats to provide extra parking for 25 cars. There will also be a new bike store for 36 bikes.
A report to be considered by councillors at next Thursday’s south and west plans panel concludes:
“… Officers consider that the benefits of bringing the building back in to an appropriate use and the improvements to its appearance combined with the applicant’s constructive attempts to enlarge the size of the units and willingness to provide a contribution to affordable housing, should be given greater weight than the concern about the size of a small number of units and the requirement for a greenspace contribution. The recommendation is therefore to approve the current scheme subject to conditions.”
Read the report in full here. Councillors will decide the fate of the application at the Leeds Civic Hall meeting next Thursday at 1pm.