Proposals for flats and offices on a prime city centre site have been branded as big and poorly designed by city councillors.
Members in a planning meeting at the Civic Hall yesterday told developers to go back to the drawing board over the plans for 51 flats and office space in The Calls area of the city.
The proposals involve the partial demolition and refurbishment of St Peter's Hall and St Peter's House to create four and five-storey buildings and the demolition of three-storey Chantrell House office block and the building of a five-storey clock in its place. It is also proposed to partially demolish and make good a grade II listed boundary wall to Leeds Parish Church.
Plans 'need to be sympathetic'
Councillors had been asked to give a position statement on the planned development - and comments included that they didn't like the shape, appearance or height of the buildings, there would be a big impact on residents living in nearby Chantrell Court and that there were issues about car parking.
Councillor Neil Taggart said: "This is a top-quality site bordering a church of historical importance and any application has to be top-notch. We're talking about making Leeds a top European city and these plans aren't good enough for such a sensitive site."
Elizabeth Nash added: "I am not against a new development, and there is space to do that here, but it has to be sympathetic to its surroundings - I think these buildings look like flat-roofed blocks."
The plans were brought to councillors at an early stage of their development so members could identify any issues as the application is progressed.
Source : Guardian
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