Leeds City Council planning officers have recommended approval for a scheme to deliver more than 120 homes on the former Lloyds Banking Group site on Cote Lane in Farsley. The application, submitted by Breck Homes and Bank of Scotland, is due to be considered by the council’s West Plans Panel next week at the request of a local councillor.
What is proposed
The scheme would provide a mix of flats, maisonettes and family houses on land close to the Dawson’s Corner roundabout. The applicants have described the development as delivering affordable housing in what planners consider a sustainable location.
- Developer: Breck Homes (with Bank of Scotland)
- Location: Cote Lane, former Lloyds Banking Group site, Farsley
- Number of homes: more than 120 (previously revised down from 133)
- Decision process: to be discussed at West Plans Panel; final sign-off to be delegated to the city’s chief planning officer
Local response and planning considerations
Planning officers’ recommendation comes despite a small number of objections and expressions of concern. The council report records four formal objections and a letter from Conservative councillor Andrew Carter, who requested the planning panel review the proposal citing concerns over the overall size of the scheme and potential road-safety impacts.
“The scale, density and intensity of the proposed development is excessive and constitutes over-development of the site.”
That objection reflects concerns about density voiced by some nearby residents. At the same time, four letters of support were lodged, including backing from Labour ward councillor Peter Carlill. Supporters point to the benefits of bringing a vacant site back into use and the delivery of affordable homes.
Financial obligations and amendments
If approved, the developer would be required to make financial contributions towards local infrastructure. The council report specifies a contribution of more than £260,000 towards green-space improvements across the city as part of the package of obligations.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Homes proposed | More than 120 (mix of flats, maisonettes, family homes) |
| Previous proposal | 133 homes (revised) |
| Section 106 / contributions | £260,000+ towards green-space improvements |
The application represents a revision of an earlier proposal for 133 dwellings on the same former call-centre site, indicating the developers have reduced the overall number of units since last year.
Next steps and local impact
The West Plans Panel will debate the proposal next week. Subject to the panel’s view, planning permission would then be delegated to the chief planning officer for final approval provided the developer agrees the financial contributions and any other planning conditions set out in the report.
For residents of Farsley and nearby communities, the decision will determine whether a long-vacant site is converted to housing stock that the council and supporters argue is needed locally, or whether concerns about density and road safety will require further changes or a refusal. Any panel outcome will be closely watched by local councillors from across the political divide given the mix of support and objection recorded in the planning file.
