Leeds City Council plans for future economic growth put forward for approval

The Site Allocations Plan at Leeds City Council is set to be given a recommendation next week.

Senior councillors, in a meeting next Wednesday (June 26), of the executive board will be asked to endorse the plan at the Civic Hall. The plans are said to guide the locations of future housing, along with green areas and development in the city.

The plans will be voted for, following a discussion, in July’s full council meeting.

Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development councillor, Lisa Mulherin, said: “The government-appointed inspectors’ final report is welcome at the end of a lengthy process and means we can now get this plan adopted and officially recognised in all future planning decisions.

“It will bring certainty for residents and investors, meeting the needs of the city and protecting the majority of green spaces by offering defence against speculative development.”

She added: “The Site Allocations Plan identifies land for homes and jobs across the city, and also will ensure infrastructure is delivered in the right way.

“It has an important role to play too in our commitment to tackling climate change, with sites being developed to a high standard in more sustainable locations and mitigating flood risk.”

Following a period of preparation, public consultation and examination, independent government-appointed inspectors Claire Sherratt Dip URP MRTPI and Louise Gibbons BA (Hons) MRTPI) have now issued their final report on the plan, regarding its legal compliance and its appropriateness for the city.

The inspectors’ final report is based on their considerations following 16 days of public examination hearings on the plan which were held in summer 2018 with the views of more than 470 participants heard, as well as more than 50,000 written comments.

Leeds City Council’s chair of the development plan panel, councillor Neil Walshaw, concluded: “The preparation of the Site Allocations Plan has been a major undertaking for the council, which we are grateful is acknowledged in the inspectors’ final report.

“After such a long process, it is very positive that the inspectors have provided very clear and concise conclusions.

“This endorsement means Leeds can move forward with a strong planning future to deliver the priorities and commitments as set down in the Site Allocations Plan.”