Plans for the redevelopment of the former Weetwood police station in Leeds have been sent to Leeds City Council’s chief planning officer for approval.
The scheme, which was brought forward by Weetwood Developments in 2022, proposes the demolition of existing buildings on the 3.5-acre site at 300 Otley Road and construction of an L-shaped building comprising 127 built-to-rent flats. It has a gross development value of around £36.6m.
The plans, designed by Halliday Clark Architects, were reviewed by Leeds City Council’s planning committee in August last year but it found a “significant underprovision” of affordable housing against its policy requirements.
The developer argued the inclusion of affordable housing within the scheme would hinder its viability. However, the council rejected the argument, saying that based on rental inflation, the increase in rents could result in a fully viable scheme in 18 to 24 months’ time.
The council entered into an overage agreement with Weetwood to determine its post-development profit, with any amount above a pre-agreed sum to be divided equally with the council to provide affordable homes.
Although the proposed scheme is considered to be acceptable, it was still recommended to be delegated to the chief planning officer for approval due to its complexity.
Quod is advising on planning matters.
Image © Halliday Clark Architects
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