21-storey PRS plans set for green light

Plans more than 460 private rented sector (PRS) flats in a development of up to 21 storeys on a prominent site in Leeds are recommended for approval when they go before councillors in the New Year (3 January 2019).GVA, on behalf of BAM Monkbridge, submitted a full planning application to Leeds City Council earlier this year for a residential development on the Doncaster Monkbridge Works site off Whitehall Road, south of a grade II-listed viaduct.BAM Monkbridge is the owner and developer of the Latitude scheme on the site. So far, one of the four consented commercial office phases has been brought forward and attempts have been made to secure pre-lets for the remainder.The developer is now seeking permission to replace the commercial element of the final phase, known as Latitude Phase Purple B, with a residential scheme.The proposed development would comprise two blocks measuring 21 and 17 storeys linked by a landscaped podium terrace. A total of 463 PRS apartments would be created, together with associated facilities and car parking.The apartments will be a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, while amenities for residents will include a gym and residents’ lounges on the tops floor of each block.The application will go before the council’s City Plans Panel on 3 January and is recommended for approval, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.The proposed buildings have been designed by Nick Brown Architects.BAM Monkbridge previously presented the scheme at the council’s City Plans Panel meeting on 2 November 2017.The Doncaster Monkbridge site still has capacity for eight-storey (Phase Purple A) and ten-storey (Phase Yellow) office buildings, in addition to the existing occupied eight-storey (Phase Red) office building.