Consent for new student accommodation

A mixed-use student accommodation development spearheaded by Future Generation has been approved.  The scheme will provide more than 1,200 bedrooms to the immediate north of Leeds city centre.  It will also deliver over 8,000 square feet of retail, commercial and leisure space.

The site had previously been granted outline consent for 425 apartments.  According to David McMurtary, Associate Director at Motion, “The previous residential scheme relied upon a car park with 238 spaces.  In comparison to the earlier proposals, the new accommodation will result in a significant reduction in traffic during weekday peak hours, as students will adhere to a no-car policy.”  

Zero car parking commitment

Students will have no need for regular access to a car, as the development is within walking and cycling distance of several campuses and amenities within Leeds city centre.

Henry Strawson, Head of Acquisitions at Future Generation, says, “The Motion team successfully advanced an argument which delivered reduced levels of car parking as a means to encourage sustainable patterns of movement.  Aided by Future Generation’s commitment to zero car parking in its schemes, this approach balanced the competing demands of key political decision makers with the relevant planning policy context.”

A robust travel plan will provide incentives for students to travel sustainably for all their day-to-day needs.  Approximately 600 cycle spaces will be provided on site, which are considered more than sufficient to meet the demands of the development.  Future Generation will fund a signalised pedestrian crossing to the north of the site, which will provide improved footways towards the University Hospital.

Vehicles used to drop off or collect students will be able to park on site through a carefully managed system in place at the start and end of term.  Students will be provided with a 30-minute time slot during which they can unload their belongings and pick up their room keys.

 

This article first appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of Insight.

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