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Leeds City Council will shortly publish for consultation its Core Strategy that will direct development across the district for the next 25 years. The document is, in many parts, weak, unclear and lacks ambition, says planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates.
The level of housing growth expected to occur over the next 25 years in Leeds is greater than any other local authority in England. In response, the Strategy plans to deliver 70,000 new homes, at an average of 4,375 a year, which is significantly less than Government estimates of future household growth in the district.
Whilst the Strategy makes provision for substantial housing development in existing urban areas, further land will be required for at least 38,500 houses. To accommodate remaining housing, the Strategy allows for a selective review of the Green Belt around the city and the towns of Garforth, Guiseley, Yeadon, Morley, Otley, Rothwell and Wetherby to provide additional land for development.
Bob May, Leeds Office Director, Turley Associates says: “This review is likely to inflame passions but, at the same time, lacks ambition and is unlikely to address the real development needs of the city. It is difficult to see how under these proposals the demand for housing will be met.”
The Strategy also provides a focus for the city’s regeneration efforts, and identifies the Aire Valley as a strategic location for a new eco settlement of 9,000 homes and 250 hectares of employment land to accommodate 30,000 new jobs.
Where the Strategy is ambitious is in its targets for carbon reduction. All new building - both commercial and residential - must achieve reductions of 20 per cent below building regulations until 2016, after which a zero carbon target is set. Major targets under the Code for Sustainable Homes (Code 6) and BREEAM (Excellent by 2013) have also been set.
Bob adds: “These are incredibly ambitious targets, particularly when you consider that, to date, these levels have not been achieved in local development. I would not be surprised if this requirement is amended following the consultation.”
Bob May is available for comment on the consultation of Leeds City Council’s Core Strategy. He can be reached on 0113 386 3800.