Blocks of flats approved despite road safety fears

Plans to build two blocks of flats in a Leeds suburb have been given the go-ahead despite dozens of objections.

Road safety concerns were raised over the proposed development on land in Stanningley, near New Pudsey railway station.

Developers had sought permission to create a four-storey and a six-storey block with a total of 19 apartments, along with a gym and coffee shop, on the land to the east of Owlcotes Lane and south of Woodlands Road.

Leeds City Council received 60 letters of objection, with concerns including increased traffic and the height of the buildings, but councillors approved the application in a majority vote on Thursday.

Members of the South and West plans panel were told that council officers were satisfied the traffic concerns had been addressed.

Barry Anderson, Conservative councillor for Adel and Wharfedale, told the meeting he supported the project in principle.

However, he said he still had concerns over road safety and the design of the building.

“It’s for those reasons that I won’t be able to support it," he concluded.

Meanwhile, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), members discussed fears the development would attract more traffic than expected, despite close public transport links.

Penny Stables, Green Party councillor for Wetherby and party leader on the council, said: “I am supportive of it, although I do have some concerns.

“We want to encourage people not to have a car. This location, being right next to a station, is a very sustainable location.”

The application had been brought before the panel at the request of Calverley and Farsley Conservative councillor Andrew Carter, who opposed the project.

A report to the meeting said Peter Carlill, Labour member for the ward, sent a letter of support.

Planning permission for the development was granted subject to a £23,500 contribution to improvements to nearby green spaces, along with £30,000 towards road safety schemes.

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