Local councillor looks to topple yet another student tower block planned for Woodhouse (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Local councillor looks to topple yet another student tower block planned for Woodhouse

October 30, 2006 10:50 PM

Local councillor looks to topple yet another student tower block planned for Woodhouse

Plans for a massive 23 storey student complex in Woodhouse have been slammed by local Councillor Kabeer Hussain. The application proposes building a multi-level student development on the site of the Friends Meeting House and Blenheim Baptist Church on Blenheim Walk. Permission to demolish the meeting house had already been granted in a previous application for student digs but the new application will also see Blenheim Baptist Church going the same way.

Councillor Hussain opposes the plans amid fears that the new build will 'stick out like a sore thumb' next to the Grade 2 Listed buildings on Woodhouse Lane.

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Lib Dem Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said "My position on the building of mass student digs in the area is clear, we don't need anymore. Affordable family friendly housing is what people in Woodhouse want, not more profit projects for fast buck developers."

Councillor Hussain added, "In this case, my real problem with the application is what it will do to the area's aesthetic appeal. The development will be built virtually on top of the Listed Buildings on Woodhouse Lane. It would be a travesty for the Woodhouse if these landmarks were to be put in the shade by what can best be described as a colossal student tower block."

Notes

1. The planning application, 06/05350/FU proposes a multi level development, the highest element being a 23 storey tower. The buildings include space for student residential accommodation (38 studio flats and 76 cluster flats with 369 bedrooms), academic accommodation with teaching facilities, offices, cafe/exhibition space and a new church. A Listed Building application has also been submitted to demolish the Friends Meeting House and Blenheim Baptist Church (these are the buildings closest to Blenheim Walk, not the Grade II Listed Buildings on Woodhouse Lane).

2. A previous application, 20/410/04/FU, granted planning permission for part demolition and erection of 7 blocks up to 18 storeys in height containing student accommodation (116 studio flats and 538 cluster rooms and 1800 square metres of A3 restaurant/cafe use).

3. The new application's site size has increased to take in the Blenheim Baptist Church, hence the new scheme provides for new church facilities to accommodate the existing use.