Landmark apartment scheme set for green light

Plans for an eye-catching stepped apartment complex on a gateway site in Leeds which incorporates feature roof terraces and is located close to some of the city’s best-known office developments have been recommended for approval.Acting on behalf of Citylife Developments, ID Planning is seeking permission to develop 224 apartments and about 5,800 sq ft of commercial space on land at the corner of Whitehall Road and Springwell Road.Split across two buildings, plans drawn up by Nick Brown Architects envision a sail-like structure starting at six storeys and rising to a total of 16 storeys towards the city.A private landscaped garden is earmarked for the heart of the scheme, while private decked balconies stepping along Whitehall Road would provide outdoor living space for residents.According to a report to be scrutinised by councillors later this week, the scheme should be delegated to the chief planning officer for approval, subject to the specified conditions.Those conditions include making a £634,474 payment to the council in respect of affordable housing.The scheme is said to be a “significant regeneration opportunity that will contribute positively to the regeneration of Holbeck” and provide “a striking, landmark building along the Whitehall Road corridor”.It is also thought that the development would act as a gateway into the city centre along Whitehall Road and could also catalyse further redevelopment of the area to the west, bringing new investment and jobs.Other schemes in the immediate vicinity include Wellington Place and One Whitehall, the home of the Yorkshire Post.