Green light for two million sq ft unit

Plans for an additional two million sq ft unit at a prominent Leeds business park have been given the go-ahead.PLP, supported by Barton Willmore and Michael Sparks Associates, submitted plans to Leeds City Council at the end of 2019 for further development at Gateway 45.The reserved matters application covers the construction of a single two million sq ft unit, together with road infrastructure, landscaping and parking areas. It also includes the necessary earthworks to create development platforms.The proposed ground floor warehouse also includes ancillary office accommodation while the first, second and third floors are all warehousing. A total of 791 car parking spaces will be provided.Leeds City Council has now granted planning consent, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.A planning officer’s report said the development was “expected to give further momentum for future, available, phases to come forward within the wider site”.In October 2019, PLP secured planning permission for a development of four distribution units ranging from 59,000 sq ft to 400,000 sq ft at Gateway 45. PLP UK Logistics Venture (UKLV), which is owned by majority investor Ivanhoé Cambridge alongside PLP, acquired the 43-acre plot for this development in December from Aire Valley Land, a joint venture between Harworth Group and Evans Property Group.A ten-acre fully-serviced commercial plot at Gateway 45 was sold to the University of Leeds for its new Institute for High Speed Rail last year. A further 2.5 acres was also acquired by Leeds City Council for an extension to its existing park and ride facility.