Planning chiefs support plans for city growth, housing and jobs

Local News

Planning chiefs have supported a number of major planning applications which could bring about a major boost for jobs, homes and retail investment in the city.

At the meeting of the City Plans Panel, councillors discussed one of the biggest sets of proposals that the local authority had dealt with in 2013. Some of the reports included major schemes such as expansion plans for the White Rose Shopping Centre, the Thorp Arch Estate in Wetherby and the expansion of the gypsy and travellers site in Cottingley Springs.

Under the plans submitted for Thorp Arch Estate, up to 2,000 houses (including affordable homes) and a new relief road could be built. It would also bring about associated community facilities, sports pitches, primary school and open space.

The White Rose Shopping Centre application features a new 12-screen cinema, extension of the existing Primark store and Debenhams stores and new restaurants. The development is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs and 195 construction jobs. An employment and training scheme is recommended, with bus improvements aiming to carry new employees from the local area, including Middleton, Belle Isle, Hunslet and Beeston.

Also discussed on the agenda was an application to review the layout of the traveller site to provide 12 pitches and amenity buildings, parking and landscaping to land west of Cottingley Springs, Gildersome.

Cllr Peter Gruen Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for neighbourhoods, planning and support services said:

“This is a culmination of major steps for a number of developments that could provide a real boost to economic growth and jobs in Leeds. As an authority we are dealing with some complex and large scale planning projects across the city on a daily basis, which we always aim to do in a thorough, efficient and fair way.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, City Centre Panel Chair, said:

“We have worked through a series of major applications to reach decisions that have the best outcome for the city. In each case we are keen to work through the issues with all interested parties at every stage so that residents and the city can benefit as fully as possible.”

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