Outline approval for redevelopment for former Arla Foods site

Outline planning consent has been granted for a development of more than 600 apartments on the former Arla Foods office building in Leeds.Avison Young, on behalf of its client Commercial Development Projects Ltd, submitted plans to Leeds City Council in June for the redevelopment of a 5.1-acre brownfield site on the edge of Leeds city centre.The site on Kirkstall Road previously housed Arla Foods and Tiger Bus Company but has been vacant since 2016.The plans cover the demolition of the existing buildings and construction of a residential-led development of six blocks of between seven and 16 storeys.A total of 631 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments are proposed, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. About 10,400 sq ft of space suitable for café, food and beverage, and creche uses would be provided, together with 4,800 for retail.The scheme also includes 242 parking spaces, open space and a new riverside walkway.Full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures and outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the site, with all matters reserved except for access, was granted, subject to conditions, at a meeting yesterday (7 January 2021).The approval was in line with a planning officer’s report prepared for the meeting, as previously reported by Insider.Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher is the architect on the scheme with Curtins providing civils, engineering and transport advice.