Member Article

Major West Yorkshire planning permissions approved by Leeds City Council

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, including White Rose (which Bdaily reported on here) and the Thorp Arch Estate in Wetherby.

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.

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 from 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.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare J Burnett .