Offices to be replaced with nearly 200 student apartments

Proposals to deliver a new student accommodation building off Kirkstall Road in Leeds have been approved by Leeds City Council, following the signing of a Section 106 Agreement. 

The application, lodged by Brigade Central LLP, a partnership fronted by Birmingham Properties Group, was submitted to the council in October 2023.

It involves development of a part eight, part 10-storey purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) building containing 198 studio flats and communal space including a roof terrace on the site of an existing low-rise office building occupied by W Denis Insurance.

John Tebbutt, of Birmingham Properties Group, said: “We are happy to achieve planning permission on this under-utilised site in a prime location, to deliver high-quality purpose built student accommodation.

“Once complete, the scheme will help to provide students a safe and comfortable environment with modern facilities close to the city’s various education institutions.

“We’d like to thank the city council for working with us proactively on the application.” 

The proposed property has been designed by Leeds-based Cunniff Design.

Planning consultant Jack Dickinson, of  Nexus Planning, said: “The project team engaged early with the city council’s planning, design, highways and landscaping officers in order to bring together a proposal that was generally acceptable to all parties.

“Alongside holding positive discussions with local residents through the Little Woodhouse Community Association, the application was submitted in a supportive context. We are really pleased to see the scheme approved.” 

Brigade Central LLP was advised by Nexus Planning, Cunniff Design, TPM Landscape, Roscoe, Fore Consulting, Futureserv and OFR.