Public consultation begins on revised future housing figure for Leeds

Public consultation on changes to the Core Strategy in Leeds including a lower future housing target for the city has started today.

Following approval by the council’s executive board earlier this week, consultation will run for the next six weeks inviting views on the selective review of the Core Strategy, which underpins all development in Leeds.

This includes improving housing quality and a revised overall housing target for the city of providing 51,952 new homes from 2017 to 2033. If supported and endorsed by the government, this would replace the current target of 70,000 new homes between 2012 and 2028.

The figure has been recommended to be reduced following a review of the housing aspect of the strategy to take into account the latest figures as well as new government guidelines on assessing future housing need. Together with a phased approach to bringing forward sites for development, the extended delivery period from 2028 to 2033 will offer further flexibility to respond to levels of housing need in the city over time.

This revised figure has been agreed and put forward for public consultation by the council’s cross-party development plan panel.

Other aspects of the review for public consideration include elements around housing standards, accessibility, affordable housing, greenspace, sustainable homes and electric vehicle charging points in the city.

To take part in the consultation, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/localplan for all the background information and a response form. The information is also available at all council-managed libraries, community hubs and one stop centres.

Two drop-in sessions will be taking place at the Civic Hall in the city centre, one for the public from 2pm-7pm on Thursday 1 March and another for developers and consultants on Thursday 15 March from 2pm-5:30pm.

Responses can also be received via email at CoreStrategyReview@Leeds.gov.uk or by post at: Leeds Core Strategy Selective Review Publication Draft Consultation, Leeds City Council Planning services - Policy and Plans Group, 9 Floor East, Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8BB. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Friday 23 March.

Running alongside the Core Strategy review, the council is also currently carrying out public consultation on proposals to protect 33 housing sites in green belt areas of the city from being developed for new housing. To take part go to www.leeds.gov.uk/yourcity or visit any council-managed library, community hub or one stop centres. The deadline for views on these plans is 5pm on Monday 26 February.

All of the comments received in both consultations will be presented to the government as part of its consideration of the proposed changes.

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

“We are very pleased to now be able to put these changes including the revised future housing figure for the city out for public consultation as we said we would do.

“This approach will help us to ensure Leeds has a plan-led approach with the right houses being built where they are needed.

“This is an issue which is of pivotal importance to the future growth and development of Leeds so we want as many people as possible to look at these plans and tell us what they think.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde

Leeds City Council communications,

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 9164