Student flats and artists’ studios set for approval

Plans for a mixed-use development on the edge of Leeds city centre featuring accommodation for more than 400 students as well as artists studios look set to get the green light next week (19 November 2020).Alumno Student (Whitelock) and BW9, supported by Turley and Howarth Litchfield, submitted an application to Leeds City Council earlier this year for a development on a site at Whitelock Street in Sheepscar.Planning approval is sought for the demolition of the existing commercial properties on the site and construction of a new part-six, part-seven storey building.The development would provide accommodation for 411 students across 105 of cluster flats and studios, as well as facilities including a communal hub, laundry, cinema room, gym, roof terrace, garden and cycle storage.The plans also include gallery and studio space to be managed by East St Arts, with commissioned public artworks to be integrated into the public realm and external student areas. Flexible consent is sought for these units to allow for alternative uses.It has been estimated that the proposed uses would support about 23 jobs, with between 150 and 200 people on site during construction.The application will go before the council’s City Plans Panel on 19 November and is recommended for approval, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.