Reasons needed for Marsh Lane planning rejection

Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel refused permission on January 7 for developers Galliford Try Investments to build two residential blocks on a site off Flax place and Richmond Street.

The panel is set to meet again to determine the legal reasons for the refusal.

A document by Leeds City Council planning officers states the application did not provide the requirement of affordable housing, did not contain adequate green space and the “over-dominant” design was unacceptable.

Developers had wanted to build two tower blocks on derelict land between Marsh Lane and Flax Lane in Richmond Hill, measuring 11 and 15 storeys-high.

Between them, they would have offered 350 flats.

Speaking at the January 7 meeting, objectors and local councillors were critical of the design of the building, which it was claimed would hinder the view of the city for neighbouring residents.

Council officers had recommended the plans be approved on the basis it met standards, all 13 councillors on the panel voted to reject them.

The report set to be discussed by plans panel members this week stated: “Members have previously resolved not to follow the officer recommendation to approve the application.

“On the presentation of the reasons for refusal as set out above, if Members are still minded to refuse the application they are asked to consider the impact such a refusal may have upon the delivery of this Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan site, or whether they wish to amend or withdraw one or more reasons for refusal.”

The plans panel will meet to discuss the application on Thursday, February 25.