Approval recommended for 31-storey BTR development

Plans for a 31-storey build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Leeds city centre comprising almost 400 apartments are recommended for approval next week (3 November 2022).Ridge Leeds submitted a full planning application to Leeds City Council earlier this year for development on land between Westgate and Croppergate, opposite the former Yorkshire Post site.Planning permission is sought for a building featuring 399 apartments, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units.The plans also included communal amenity areas for residents and landscaping across the site.The scheme is proposed to be a car-free development, but 278 cycle spaces are planned.The application will be considered by the council’s City Plans Panel on 3 November and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the signing of a legal agreement, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The report said: “The proposals would regenerate a prominently located brownfield city centre site which has detracted from this gateway location for many years. In doing so it would deliver a significant number of new homes with affordable housing on site.”The proposed development would provide a high quality, landmark, building which would animate and improve the appearance of the local townscape.”Pre-application proposals were previously presented to the council’s City Plans Panel in March, with members supportive of the scheme.Planning permission was previously granted for a part ten-, part 28-storey block containing 272 apartments, offices, commercial space and basement parking. The buildings that formerly occupied the site were demolished in 2016.