Approval recommended for divisive new homes plan

The plans for new "affordable" council homes have divided opinion

More than 80 council homes could be built in Leeds despite multiple objections from local residents.

Planning officers have recommended councillors approve the plans for 82 new houses and flats at the former Hough Side High School in Swinnow.

The proposal, put forward by Leeds City Council, has been met with more than 100 objection comments, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

A plans panel will meet on Thursday to discuss the scheme.

Damage to trees and wildlife, road safety problems and the appearance of the development were among the concerns cited about the proposed development.

A planning report said a comprehensive objection had been received from a planning consultant on behalf of 31 nearby householders.

In total, 106 objection comments were submitted - although some were multiple concerns from the same person.

'Affordable housing'

The report claimed there was a growing demand for one, two and three bedroom properties in the Pudsey ward.

The development includes 28 two-bedroom and 23 three-bed houses at the site on Hough Top.

Four four-bed houses would also be built, along with 17 one-bed and ten two-bed flats.

According to the report, "There is a shortage of affordable housing in the Pudsey ward, with an average of 358 bids for each home advertised in the local area."

It added: "The proposed development would support the council's priorities of providing quality, affordable housing where it is needed and will also bring a currently unused site back into use."

The council's south and west plans panel is recommended to approve the scheme, subject to conditions.

Changes have been made to the proposal since the planning application was first presented to the panel in March.

They include improvements to the design of an apartment block which would form part of the development.

The report said the scheme would provide "100 per cent affordable housing with all properties set at social rent".

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