Approval given for new council houses on former east Leeds pub site

A former pub site in east Leeds is to be redeveloped into new affordable council housing after planning approval was granted today.

Leeds City Council approved the proposal to develop the site of the former Whinmoor pub on Stanks Lane South in Swarcliffe into 22 new two-bedroom semi-detached houses.

The development is part of Leeds City Council’s housing growth programme to build around 1,000 new council houses in the coming years, and is one of three connected schemes being managed by the council working with development partner Kier Construction Limited.

Contracts to deliver 49 new homes at Garnet Grove in Beeston and Broadlea Street in Bramley have already been awarded to Kier and work is underway at these two sites. A further 22 homes are to be delivered at the site in Swarcliffe following award of a contract to Kier and works are expected to start on site in the coming months, with completion expected for summer 2018.

The new houses will be built to the Leeds Standard in terms of design and quality, as well as embodying the best in design for sustainability, space and energy efficiency. All properties will have off-street parking and private garden areas.

As part of the development, a new access road will be created along with landscaping and tree planting. Some existing trees will need to be relocated to accommodate the plans, with associated additional improvements to be made to the greenspace of the local area.

The Whinmoor pub closed several years ago, with the condition of the building then deteriorating before the council took ownership of the site after it was added to the citywide list of derelict and nuisance properties. The pub was subsequently demolished in 2014, with the council recommending the brownfield site for potential redevelopment for new affordable council housing and an agreement with Kier Construction Limited then being reached to develop the design, along with two other schemes.

Leeds City Council executive member for communities Councillor Debra Coupar said:

“I am delighted that approval has been given to commence work on this site. Together with two connected schemes in Bramley and Beeston, it is great that we are able to get on and build more much-needed council homes in our city.”

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:

“As part of our commitment to provide a thousand new council homes through the housing growth programme, this scheme is ideal as a brownfield site being transformed from a former derelict eyesore into attractive new affordable housing. We look forward to seeing these new homes built and tenants moving in.”

On behalf of Kier Construction, operations director Jon Rukin said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Leeds City Council on the connected schemes in Beeston, Bramley and Swarcliffe to provide much-needed affordable housing across the city. We’re looking forward to bringing this brownfield site back into use, and with a focus on space and sustainability, the homes are designed to meet the needs of the local community for many years to come.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde

Leeds City Council press office,

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 9164