Approval recommended for almost 300 Leeds homes

Proposals for almost 300 homes forming the latest phase of a major Leeds development look set to secure approval later this week (21 September 2023).Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire and Cullen Land each submitted reserved matters applications to Leeds City Council last year for developments on the Middle Quadrant of the East Leeds Extension, known as Morwick Green.The East Leeds Extension (ELE) comprises about 576 acres around the edge of Swarcliffe, Whinmoor and Crossgates, which has been identified for the development of about 5,000 homes.It will be supported by substantial new infrastructure, including the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR), which opened in August 2022.Taylor Wimpey is seeking planning permission for 250 homes and Cullen Land 43 homes on the 100-acre Middle Quadrant.A mix of house types and sizes are proposed, ranging from one- and two-bed apartments, to four- and five-bedroom detached houses. The housing includes 44 affordable homes, about 15 per cent of the total.The plans also include public open space, providing access to new sports facilities, play areas and areas of amenity.The plans were previously discussed by councillors at a meeting in June. Following concerns raised at this meeting, the number of three-bedroom units has been increased and the number of two-bedroom units reduced.The applications will be considered by the council’s North and East Plans Panel on 21 September and an officer’s report prepared for the meeting recommends that approval is granted, subject to conditions.Outline planning permission was granted in 2021 for 875 homes on the Middle Quadrant.A separate reserved matters was submitted by Persimmon earlier this year for 517 the northern part of the Middle Quadrant.In August, Plans Panel members discussed an application from Taylor Wimpey and Redrow Homes for 925 homes at Pendas Beck, representing the Southern Quadrant of the extension.Vistry Homes (Yorkshire) and Evans Homes recently submitted a reserved matters application to Leeds City Council for Phases 1A and 1B of the East Leeds Extension Northern Quadrant.Persimmon has previously submitted a reserved maters application for 423 homes on the Northern Quadrant, on land to the east of A58 Wetherby Road.Plans for more than 360 homes as part of the ‘Red Hall’ area of the East Leeds Extension were considered by the council in July.