Merry Christmas from the Planning Committee! November has brought lots of updates from the planning and transport world…
Planning Applications
Brotherton Wing, LGI
The Brotherton Wing is set to get a tidy up under a new planning application that came through this month. The exterior stonework is set to be cleaned, repairs are to be made to any exterior damage, and new windows as well as a new canopy are to be put in place. Our Planning Committee were mostly happy to see these proposed works, as the building has been unkept for some time. We did, however, wish for more detail about the method for cleaning the Portland stone façade – which the group felt was a very important element of the wing. A letter of support with comments was submitted.
Eldon Court
Not far from the Brotherton Wing, stands Eldon Court – a student accommodation block that has stood empty since January 2023 when it was evacuated over concerns about fire risks. We considered a new application for the building, which is proposing to redevelop the building, converting the existing cluster flats into studio rooms as well as external works such as new cladding.
We were happy to see the possibility of the building being put back into use and hope that the adjacent land to the front will be given a tidy up too. However, we did have concerns over the proposed plans to demolish a circular outbuilding to the rear, as it provides visual balance to the space and could provide cycle storage. Our principal concern related to proposed smoke extraction equipment, which are shown to sit elevated well above the roof line of the building. We felt this would create an industrial style look which is ill fitting given the buildings proximity to many listed University of Leeds buildings. We therefore objected to the application due to these concerns.
2 Otley Road
Another student hub, the Original Oak, submitted an application that we observed this month. This was for refurbishment works to create a disabled WC, accessible entrance, and an extension to the bin store. The consideration to increase accessibility to the pub was great to see, and the committee were glad to see these proposed works. The only issue we highlighted was the lack of additional touches which could make these spaces more accommodating for disabled users, such as lighting. We wrote a letter of support with comments explaining these points.
105 Vicar Lane
A Chinese restaurant is proposed in the vacant unit where regency smart supermarket shop once was. The application showed elevations of a renewed shopfront, that takes up both the first & second floors. The committee welcomed the prospect of the shopfront being renewed, but questioned the design and layout of the signage; the elevations show a protruding piece of material at the top of the signage. We hope for more information about this and expressed this in our letter of comment.
Presentations
Elland Road Expansion Update
We had a very interesting presentation on the Elland Road stadium expansion this month, given by key figures involved in the project. In its current state, Elland Road is showing its age, is very constrained in terms of space, and is limiting what can be offered to supporters. The plans hope to offer a 21st-century stadium, with the Elland Road atmosphere very much still being retained. Capacity will increase to 53,000 with the works to be done in phases. The first phase will concentrate on the west stand, which will see two new tiers built above the existing stand. The capacity in this stand alone will jump from 8000 to 17,750. Development to the north stand will follow in phase two. We were shown indicative designs for this. Leeds United will not vacate the stadium, and the works will be scheduled around games and the off season.
Overall, the committee were generally content with the proposed plans; it is providing a much-needed revamp to the stadium and will offer more ticket availability. Our discussions focused on the design of the new stand. It is clear that fans prefer to retain the heritage and history of a ground that is made up of a series of stands rather than a single and the approach being taken addresses this. Care will need to be taken to ensure that there is a consistency of treatment and that the corners where the stands join are treated sympathetically. We also felt that further thought could be given to how the design of the stand could incorporate elements that speak to its location in Leeds rather than a more generic look. We will be writing a letter of response expressing our thoughts about the plans.
Thanks to BDP, Rise, Quod & LUFC for attending.
Transport
My Ideal Bus Journey Website
Our Transport & Liveable Leeds group were given a very informative presentation about the ‘My Ideal Bus Journey’ campaign website this month by Steven Caulston (from Buses in Fleet). A new website, My Ideal Bus Journey, is a free to use resource for any campaign groups or communities that hope to improve their local bus journeys. Campaigners can create their own pages (with their own individual links) and create surveys for local bus users to answer. This data, which is live, can then be collated and used to give feedback to organisations or local authorities.
We were very impressed to see how the website worked and feel it’s a resource that could certainly be used to help bus users in Leeds voice their concerns around local services.
INFUZE
Our director, Martin, has participated in the ‘INFUZE’ project for the last 3 weeks (which has now ended). Participants in the project have the choice of using a hire car 1-3 days a week and for all other days they must use alternative modes of transport. Several universities are involved, but the Institute of Transport at Leeds University is the main university managing the project. The scale of the trial will increase to eventually 300+ people within one community. For Martin, the most pressing realisation was the scheduling of personal time needed to use public transit daily. He found that car use was much easier, particularly in the area where he lives as the bus service was often late. He doesn’t feel deterred by this though, and the project has spurred him on to use the bus more, as well as walk – which he did more of during the trail.
