‘Pedestrian first’ plan for homes on bus site

A “PEDESTRIAN first” homes plan has been submitted for the second wave of an ambitious proposal to regenerate industrial sites off a main route into Leeds city centre.

Inhabit, acting on behalf of Clyde Ltd, has submitted a request for outline permission to build 530 homes at the former bus depot on Kirkstall Road by the River Aire.

The “hybrid” proposal forms the second part of the company’s City Reach development plans, with 1,367 homes in total mooted for the old depot and neighbouring Yorkshire Chemicals site.

The idea for City Reach 1 had been redrawn since original plans were lodged because the company was also working on proposals for City Reach 2 after acquiring the depot.

Ana Nekhamkin, managing director of Inhabit, said: “It’s the scale that gives us the benefits to not just create homes but to really invest in the common areas, the indoor and outdoor areas.”

She said that it was hoped the development would bring people from other areas of the city “to enjoy coffee by the river”.

“We’re not just coming and building something then walking away.

“We’re invested for the long term. We’re trying to create somewhere we would want to live.”

The plot has been vacant since the demolition of the former bus depot in the early 2010s.

Planning documents describe the proposed development as “pedestrian first”.

Residents would be encouraged to spend time in green space which is “at the heart of the masterplan”.