First phase of £400m Leeds development moves forward with planning approval

The first phase of a multi-million pound residential development in West Yorkshire is set to be approved.

Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel has resolved to grant planning permission for CEG’s Reserved Matters application for the first phase of residential development at the £400m Kirkstall Forge development in Leeds.

The proposals will provide 213 homes, including 77 houses offering three to five-bedroom family properties.

James Shimwell, head of residential development at CEG, explained: “The redesigned apartments mean we can deliver tailored build for rent apartments, managed by the Forge Life on-site team, which will bring new residents onto site very quickly

“By including shops, leisure facilities and food and drink outlets on the ground floor, set around a public plaza and pocket park for pop up events, outdoor screenings and exercise classes, it will bring even more vitality to this exciting development.

“Through the consultation we’ve had some great feedback and look forward to progressing the next phase.”

Leeds-based architecture firm practice Cartwright Pickard designed the apartment buildings.

Peter Cartwright, founding director at Cartwright Pickard, explained: “Using materials which complement the wider masterplan, we have sought to celebrate the industrial heritage of the Forge using high-quality materials that will weather well as part of a vibrant development.”

A team of Yorkshire consultants supported the reserved matters application which also included Lichfields, Pierre Angulaire, Richard Boothroyd Associates, Curtins, Bryan G Hall and Hoare Lea.

Michael Hepburn, senior director at Lichfields, added: “It’s great to see another phase of this exciting development progress towards construction.

“It’s particularly pleasing to gain this support for the first phase of residential development at Kirkstall Forge as the vision for this mixed-use scheme takes shape.”