Job-creating employment scheme set for green light

A proposed development of more than one million sq ft of employment space in Leeds with the potential to support the creation of about 2,000 jobs is recommended for approval later this week (25 November 2021).Sterling Capitol, supported by Spawforths and The Harris Partnership, submitted a hybrid application to Leeds City Council earlier this year for a 95-acre site at Capitol Park Leeds, by Junction 28 of the M62.The site is currently arable land, along with a number of farm buildings, at Topcliffe Farm, with the majority previously undeveloped.The application seeks full planning consent for demolition of the existing buildings on the site, earthworks to form development platforms, landscaping and access.Outline approval is sought for a total of 1.11 million sq ft of space for storage and distribution use (B2 and B8), with ancillary offices, as well associated infrastructure and servicing.It has been estimated that the development would support the creation of about 1,890 gross direct, indirect and induced jobs, as well as about 175 roles during construction. It could also generate about £75.5m GVA (gross value added) per annum.The application will go before the council’s City Plans Panel on 25 November and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The development would form an extension to Sterling Capitol’s Capitol Park Leeds scheme, which is home to occupiers including Barratt Homes, Hermes and NHS Shared Business Services.Sterling Capitol and PLP entered into an agreement to bring forward the new development in November 2020.