Planners recommend approval for 230 homes in vacant building
Plans to deliver 230 new homes alongside communal facilities at Headrow House, 42 The Headrow, in Leeds city centre have been recommended for approval by planners.
Watkin Jones, a developer and manager of residential for rent, is proposing to introduce ‘co-living’ homes at this location.
It will repurpose the existing vacant building – the former Direct Line HQ building – while retaining its façade. The developer will also provide a financial contribution of £2.45m towards affordable housing within the city.
As well as private studio spaces with their own living, cooking and en-suite facilities, residents will have access to shared space to meet, relax and socialise, including outdoor terracing and roof garden space.
This is Watkin Jones’ third UK co-living development, having already completed schemes in Bristol and Exeter.
The recommendation for approval is set out in a planning officer report prepared for the city’s Plans Panel, which will meet to determine the application on 7 November. Leeds Civic Trust has also given the scheme its support.
Iain Smith, planning director at Watkin Jones, said: “We have been strongly encouraged by the support that we have received for our Headrow House co-living plans, including that of Leeds Civic Trust and local businesses.
“Co-living will address an important residential need in Leeds, helping to retain more graduates and young professionals in the city.
“And as a building refurbishment, we will also deliver huge carbon savings which is in line with our strong ESG credentials to minimise environmental impacts on all our schemes.
“As a direct result of feedback from members and planning officers, we have made a number of improvements to the scheme including increasing the room sizes and the internal and external communal space – and are grateful for the positive recommendation from planning officers for our application.”