Extra time sought over plan for new village on city’s outskirts

Hopes of transforming the riverside setting of Kirkstall Forge have been held-up because of the economic downturn and ongoing discussions with the Government about whether it is prepared to back a new railway station on the site – a key part of the scheme.

Kirkstall Forge is set to be turned into homes, offices, leisure facilities, a hotel, shops, bars and restaurants.

The plan also includes allocating more than half the site to be green space allowing for woodland walks and bicycle routes.

In 2007, members of Leeds City Council granted outline planning permission for a major mixed use scheme but because of the downturn that was placed on hold.

Now, the developers, Commercial Estates Group, (CEG) are asking that the outline permission is extended.

A report to members of Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel West says: “CEG have submitted an application to extend the life of the original outline permission via a new a new outline permission for 15 years.

“The application has been prompted by the slowdown in the economy and changing circumstances regarding funding of the associated train station on the adjoining site.”

So far only outline permission has been granted, but the developer still envisages 1,109 flats and 246 maisonettes and town hoses will be built on the site.

A key part of the redevelopment would be a new railway station at Kirkstall Forge.

In the report, which will be considered tomorrow, Metro, the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, warns if the extension of time is not granted funding for the train station would be put in “serious jeopardy”.

It adds: “The proposed train station, which already has planning permission, is fundamental to a successful, sustainable development at Kirkstall Forge.

“The original intended construction date of 2011/12 has been deferred due to the Coalition Government spending review and is now looking likely to be 2015 at the earliest.

“The scheme is one of many that are competing for Department of Transport (DfT) funding – DfT have now stated that funding for outstanding schemes may still be forthcoming – but only if the extent of local funding is significantly increased.”

Last month, a revised £17m package for two new stations at Kirkstall Forge in Leeds and Apperley Bridge near Bradford was approved by Metro.

CEG has already earmarked a £5.5m contribution to the project and this will be complemented by £1.3m of the proceeds from Metro’s recent sale of rolling stock and £250,000 through the Local Transport Plan.

The remaining £10m would come from the Department for Transport, which is expected to make its decision by the end of the year.

Kirkstall Forge was established by Cistercian monks who founded Kirkstall Abbey in 1152 and opened the forge around 1200. In medieval times the forge made farming tools and equipment for carts and riding.

In the 20th century its products included heavy axles for lorries and for military vehicles including tanks. It closed in 2002.

The forge is on a 56-acre site bordering the A65 Leeds-Ilkley road, the River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool canal.

Officers are recommending that councillors give the go-ahead to the proposal to extend time limit for “one of the key regeneration sites in the city with outline permission for mixed use development” and delegate officers to extend the planning permission subject to conditions being agreed.

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