[Rob]

Not sure, but maybe you've answered your own question. They must be up to something from what you described, presumably some sort of site clearance?

Incidentally, just noticed it links right up to the back of the Premier Inn and TGI Friday site, as well as directly opposite the plethora of developments across Kirkstal Rd, so isn't too isolated from domestic type development.

 

[Rob]

There's a large outline application in for City Reach, ref: 15/06844/OT

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/o...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=NXWBMIJB17S00

The third part of the Design and Access statement has a lot of detailed planning info, including building layouts and proposed landscaping schemes.

A couple of images from the document below:

 

[Rob]

There was a report on the national news recently that the buy to let market is exploding out of control again and will soon surpass the pre-crash levels, and their recent tax changes about to go live are partly to try to dampen that particular market down a bit.

 

[Rob]

Good news - the outline application for City Reach 15/06844/OT has been approved in principle with the final decision delegated to the Chief Planning Officer (who recommended it for approval anyway). Not only that, the plans panel apparently quite like the scheme in general.

 

[Rob]

City Reach, Kirkstall Rd.

A tiny bit of progress, in the form of a conditional discharge (17/07391/COND) for one condition of the outline application 15/06844/OT.

This isn't very significant, but is perhaps a sign of some intention to progress the scheme.

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/o...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=OZ6WWBJBFSA00

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/o...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=NXWBMIJB17S00

 

[Rob]

I presume everyone saw the Pre App report for the new City Reach scheme, with revisions to the approved 'City Reach 1', and the proposal for the new 'City Reach 2'.

The link is below if anyone hasn't (and would like to).

http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/documents/s168338/PREAPP1700602.pdf

 

[Rob]

It appears to be the same developer, so I assume so.

 

[Rob]

This whole City Reach site is going through another re-design, and is to be presented to the Plans Panel on 2 September 2021.

https://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/documents/s225006/PREAPP2000483.pdf

 

[Rob]

Ah, wishful thinking, the tallest part would be 17 stories, and others at 15, but that's not bad for Kirkstall Road.

I just want them to get on with something as that whole portion of Kirkstall Road has looked awful like a massive bomb site for years - I'd be happy with an estate of bungalows now.

 

[Rob]

Here are some new images of the revised City Reach scheme.

It looks to be a massive and comprehensive plan which would totally transform this now rather run down A65 approach into Leeds (also with the adjacent Tannery proposal). Very ambitious, but as usual it is a case of will it actually happen?

Full 2 Sep 2021 presentation slides here -
https://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/documents/b27513/City Plans Panel - 2nd September 2021 - Presentation Slides 02nd-Sep-2021 13.30 City Plans Panel.pdf?T=9

Overall scheme, with complete Otter Island development in the foreground

Proposed view from Kirkstall Road

 

[Rob]

They overwhelmingly loved this proposal, some were saying when can you start, so this will almost certainly be approved when an application comes in.

 

[Rob]

It was a rude comment, I'm sure the room went quiet in shock, and some little comments were made after by other members saying its not like communist housing.

 

[Rob]

This scheme is to be determined by the Plans Panel on 21st April.

Full application 21/08190/FU for the site preparation and the first five buildings (8 to 17 stories)
Outline application for the remaining six buildings, developed in phases (8 to 15 stories)

https://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/documents/s231618/1.%2021-08190-FU.pdf

 

[Rob]

I can't face watching the plans panel meeting for this or any other residential schemes now. Expect the same tedious arguments about the amount of green space, 3 bedroom apartments, affordable housing, trees, children's play areas, NIMBY's objecting. I'm not saying these things aren't important, I just wish they were sorted (if they are policy) before they went to panel.

I did listen in, and you're not far off, certainly the amount of 3 bedroom units was a hot topic, although they did agree that as it was policy compliant they couldn't do much about it so it was comfortably passed, but also that they are looking to get the policy reviewed in the future to make the balance of units more localised.

The level of affordable units is high but they did mention some government funding is in for this, which was time limited so had to get it pushed through promptly.

 

[Rob]

I would be so pleased if this got started - this side of the Kirkstall Rd corridor is in such need of some TLC.