Public asked for views on gateway masterplan

The Draft Leeds South Bank Planning Statement was approved by Leeds City Council's executive board in July and has now been published for official public consultation.

Over the past year, the council has been working with landowners to develop a long-term vision for the area south of the river, which it sees as an important gateway to Leeds and a prime location for regeneration, business investment and job creation. The authority says it could provide thousands of jobs.

Now people have until October 13 to comment on the proposals before a further report is presented to the council's executive board on the outcome of the consultation. A final version of the draft leeds south bank planning statement will then be produced and adopted later this year as planning guidance for all future development in that part of the city.

Coun Richard Lewis, the council's executive member responsible for city development, said: "It is expected that this area of the city centre, from Victoria Lane to Crown Point Road, is likely to change significantly in the next few years and we want to make sure it does so in a way which creates jobs, attracts investment and builds an attractive environment for all the people of Leeds.

"At the heart of the proposal is the creation of a new city centre park which would be a fantastic new green space for residents and visitors.

"We want the public and all interested parties to look at these proposals and tell us what they think – the public's involvement is crucial to the success of such an important document."

The full planning statement is available from the council's development enquiry centre, at the Leonardo Building, on 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD, or people can contact tel: 0113 2224409 and request a copy or email [email protected].

It is also available on the council's website at www.leeds.gov.uk. Search for "South Bank" or use the following link:

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Business/Planning/Planning_policy/Leeds_South_Bank_planning_statement.aspx