Plans for 618 flats at Arla Food site to be debated

Detailed plans for 618 flats on the former Arla Foods site on Kirkstall Road in Burley will come before councillors next 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 apartments are based on a ‘Build to Rent’ model, with 308 one bedroom apartments, 248 two-bedroom units and 62 three-bedroom units. This conflicts with the council’s housing mix policy, which dictates 50 per cent of new homes built should include two bedrooms and 30 per cent should contain three.

The blocks range between seven to 12 storeys high and there would be 226 surface level car parking spaces. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing former Arla depot building which fronts the site.

The full application includes the demolition of existing buildings and structures; construction of 618 residential dwellings and flexible commercial space; landscaping, new public realm and open space.

At a pre-application hearing in February, councillors criticised the lack of family housing in the proposals.

A planning officer’s report is recommending councillors on the City Plans Panel next Thursday approve the application. The report concludes: “This scheme represents an opportunity to regenerate a mostly cleared brownfield site on the southern side of Kirkstall Road.

“The proposals provide 618 residential units contributing to housing supply as well as associated employment uses, large areas of open space and connectivity to the waterfront with a new section of riverside walkway in a highly sustainable gateway location.

“It is considered that the scale, form and detailing of the proposal would enhance the character of this part of Kirkstall Road and help to deliver an identified housing need in the development plan. On balance the proposals are supported by national and local planning policy.”

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.