New plans for 350 build-to-rent apartments

A planning application has been submitted for a build-to-rent apartment development at Flax Place, Leeds, on behalf of Galliford Try Investments.

The application, which relates to land off Flax Place to the east of Leeds city centre, will see the creation of 350 apartments in two tower buildings of 15 and 11 storeys, respectively. DPP originally gained planning consent for residential development on the site in 2008.

Modern, open plan apartments are provided throughout the scheme with the predominantly one and two-bed unit mix designed to reflect current demand in Leeds.

Significantly, to provide flexibility for professional residents, workstations within the two and three-bed apartments should enhance people’s ability to work from home.

As part of the development, seven fully accessible apartments are being provided.

The towers will be connected at lower ground floor level with a reception, which will provide a shared amenity space facing onto an external courtyard for residents’ use. The open frontage to Richmond Street will create an additional shared public space.

Michelle Davies, director of DPP, said: “We are delighted to work with Galliford Try Investments on this key regeneration site within Leeds.

“Our historical involvement in the site and local knowledge of Leeds meant we were able to fully understand the constraints and opportunities and provided advice throughout the pre-application process to result in an attractive and sustainable proposal.

“The addition of dedicated home working facilities in the apartments is becoming an established part of city centre developments of this nature, reflecting the changing trends towards flexible working, particularly in light of the pandemic situation.”