Citylife tower secures Leeds go-ahead

Scaled down to 30 storeys, the proposals for 345 apartments on Holbeck’s Cartwright House site have passed muster.

Working with ID Planning and Nick Brown Architects, the developer had originally wanted to deliver a 46-storey tower of 600 apartments, this being a second phase to the Springwell Gardens development it has substantially built out off Springwell Road.

Those plans came down to 36 storeys in proposals that went before Leeds City Council’s south and west plans panel in summer – this project suggested around 400 apartments. Planning officers appeared unconvinced from the outset and members agreed, feeling the proposal “overbearing”.

The planned tower, with neighbour One Springwell Gardens. Credit: planning documents

What this leaves is a scheme that last week’s panel unanimously agreed should be delegated to planning officers to approve upon agreement of a Section 106 agreement.

Conditions of the agreement include 24 affordable homes on-site, a contribution to offsite greenspace of around £420,000 and other commitments including a travel plan and a cycle scheme contribution.

Supporting family living was a key point made by the panel in summer, and amendments made to the scheme reduced the size of the gym and saw the introduction of play areas and community meeting areas.

The site is on the Whitehall Road corridor, an area still typified by low-level commercial buildings but one being transformed by a string of developments.

Two Springwell Gardens will comprise 169 one-bedroom apartments, 141 two-bedroom apartments and 35 three-bedroom apartments.

Citylife is also delivering the Sky Gardens project in Leeds’ South Bank, one of three developments to receive confirmation of West Yorkshire Combined Authority backing recently.