Developer appeals after Leeds retirement complex plan blocked by planners
Appeal over refusal for green light for retirement complex
Leeds City Council is facing an appeal against its decision to refuse planning permission for a retirement complex in Otley.
Developer Churchill Living sought to redevelop the former Ashfield Works site on Westgate into 29 apartments for elderly people.
The authority raised concerns that the scheme did not provide any affordable housing for the town.
A lack of outdoor green space for residents was among the authority’s reasons for blocking the project, which would be within the Otley Conservation Area.
Otley Town Council also objected, giving reasons including the potential loss of trees at the site and a lack of car parking space.
The town council’s objection letter said: “The town council believe the design of the building is over-dominant and does not reflect the high quality needed in the conservation area in Otley.”
The vacant site would be redeveloped into a three-storey residential building if Churchill is successful with its appeal.
Eight two-bedroom and 21 one-bed flats would be built, along with a three-bedroom detached cottage.
Planning documents show an appeal hearing is scheduled to start on July 28 at Merrion House in Leeds.
The council said its planning policies required 35 per cent of new homes at the site to be classed as affordable.
A council report submitted to the hearing said: “The proposal makes no provision for on site affordable housing.”
A design report by Churchill said there was a growing need for retirement homes to help people live independently.
it said: “However the vast majority of our housing stock is not built with the needs of older people in mind.
“There are still far too few suitable new homes being delivered and many older people are living in homes which are unable to meet their changing needs.”