Number of planned homes cut in new village on city’s outskirts

Councillors will hear how revised proposals are now being put together to transform the former Kirkstall Forge which have been held-up because of the economic downturn.

This week, the developers behind the project which would see over one thousand homes and a new railway station built, will give a presentation to councillors in Leeds outlining its latest plans.

Outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2007 but Commercial Estates Group are now putting together revised plans.

Members of Leeds City Council’s plans panel west will be told it is now proposed to reduce the number of homes from 1,355 to 1,045. Of these 585 will be flats – far fewer than the 1,109 originally proposed.

There will however be more family homes, with 460 now planned. Office space in three proposed buildings would also be doubled, councillors will be told on Thursday.

A key part of the development is the creation of a new railway station and at the end of last year Department of Transport (DfT) approved the proposals.

A report prepared for committee members says: “In December 2011 the DfT confirmed that the Leeds City Region Rail Growth package of £17 million towards the train stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge would receive central Government funding.

“This major boost to both the area and this site paves the way for a successful development, both in planning terms and commercially. Construction could start as early as July 2013 with the station operational by December 2014.”

It adds: “The proposal has been revised to accommodate the demand for more family housing and less apartments, to take the opportunity to increase jobs and to kick start development in a difficult economic climate.”

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 site borders the A65 Leeds-Ilkley road, the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Former commercial buildings on the site have now been cleared, with the exception of listed buildings.

The report prepared for committee members adds: “The site is one of the key regeneration sites in the city with outline permission for a mixed use redevelopment.

“The delivery of a new railway station at Kirkstall Forge (linked with the provision of a new rail station at Apperley Bridge) is facilitated and partly financed by this development.

“The project has been delayed due to the economic downturn and has been revised to move it forward. The train station has also now received funding with a timetable that will encourage development of the site.

“The delivery of this major brown-field site, in a sustainable location, supported by rail infrastructure, must remain a key objective given the pressure on green-field sites around the city. Panel are asked to note this update and Commercial Estates Groups’ presentation,” the report adds.

A masterplan put together for the site also indicated there would be bars, restaurants, shops, areas of green space, and a park and ride for around 150 cars.

Following this week’s presentation it is expected an application will be submitted for the first phase of the development. Although the report says this will be dependent upon the economic climate and on building timescales for the train station.

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