Housing scheme at former hospital site in city set to be given the go-ahead

Chartford Arthington is seeking planning permission and listed building consent to build 143 houses, 12 flats, 56 extraCare apartments and a care home on the site of the former Cookridge Hospital and its grounds.

Last month, councillors discussed changes to a Section 106 agreement, in which the developer agrees to make financial and other contributions towards education and other services, which had been drawn up but Chartford put forward some changes.

Members were told the developers were offering a shortfall in financial contributions to help fund local services. However, it was offering extraCare apartments for the elderly in lieu of affordable housing. Councillors expressed broad support for a proposal which would allow the scheme to get off the ground at a time of economic uncertainty.

When members of Leeds City Council’s plans panel west meets on Thursday, councillors will be asked to back the application and defer approval to council officers subject to the Section 106 agreement being backed and in place.

The site is the home of the former Cookridge Hospital, in Cookridge. Chartford’s planning application includes the restoration of the listed lodge into a home, the conversion of main hospital building, which is also listed, into a care home and the conversion of the listed Ida building into 56 extra care apartments.

One letter of objection has been received and two other letters have been received by the authority. Fears have been raised it will lead to an increase in traffic.

The report concludes: “Overall the scheme is considered to be a well-planned and designed housing estate.

“The scheme is not envisaged to have any significant impacts on neighbouring residents and equally should afford future occupiers with a good level of accommodation and amenity.

“The S106 package has been considered by members at the previous panel meeting and was broadly accepted,” the report adds.