Traffic changes to clear way for 160 houses on university’s land

Councillors originally threw out plans for outline planning permission for around 160 homes and the demolition of existing buildings at Leeds University’s Bodington Hall, Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, but now they are being urged to support the proposals.

A planning inquiry was due to be held in August after members of Leeds City Council originally threw out the proposals because of concerns about access to the site.

However a report to members of the council’s West Plans Panel says revised plans have now been submitted by the university proposing speed restrictions along Adel Lane.

Planning officers say that slower traffic will compensate for visibility problems at an existing junction. As a result, officers now consider the application to be suitable.

A report prepared for members of the plans panel, which meets on Thursday to discuss the application, says: “The principle of residential development is considered acceptable.

“The site is an existing student development located in the main urban area.”

If members give the proposal the green light when they meet then the applicants have said they will withdraw their appeal and “save the council time and money on preparing for a public inquiry”, the report adds.

The site, in Otley Road, is currently in use as purpose-built halls of residence for students.

Details supplied at this stage by the developer show plans to build mainly semi-detached and detached homes.

So far there have been five letters received about the application. Objectors have complained that too many homes are proposed, and fear for the impact on schools and an increase in traffic on local roads.

When they meet later this week members are being urged to support the proposal but defer and delegate final approval to officers subject to a number of conditions being agreed.

The report concludes: “The proposal is considered to comply with relevant policy and to address the outstanding issues raised by the council in the previous reasons for refusal.

“The merits of the scheme include a re-use of previously developed land, provision of family housing and a Section 106 package to mitigate the impacts of this development.

“On balance therefore planning permission is recommended,” the report prepared for members of the plans panel adds.