New plans brought forward for prominent Leeds site

New plans for hundreds of build-to-rent-apartments on a prominent site in Leeds have come forward following the acquisition of the land earlier this year.Glenbrook Properties is set to present pre-application proposals to Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel next week (24 February 2022).In January, it was announced that Glenbrook had completed the acquisition of a 5.12-acre site at the edge of Leeds city centre from Marshall CDP for an undisclosed sum.The sites occupies a prominent position at 87-89 Kirkstall Road on the bank of River Aire. It formerly housed Arla Foods and Tiger Bus Company but has been vacant since 2016.Outline planning permission was granted in January 2021 for 631 apartments and 10,000 sq ft of commercial space. New plans have now come forward, ahead of the submission of a full-planning application.The latest proposal is for a mainly residential-led development of five blocks totalling 618 units.A mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom BTR apartments would be created, together with about 3,800 sq ft of commercial space. A total of 230 surface level car parking spaces would also be provided, with all of these intended to be provided with electric vehicle charging points.The blocks would range from seven to 13 storeys, with three to be located towards the river frontage, one to the middle of the site and a further block adjacent to Kirkstall Road.The former Arla office and depot building currently on the site would be demolished.Committee members will be asked for their views on the emerging layout and scale of the proposed development, the elevational design and material palette, and the level of electric vehicle charge point space.