‘ Ugly’ tower block proposals rejected

CAMPAIGNERS HAVE won a battle to block the building of a highrise development in east Leeds, amid accusations it would appear “too big” and “too ugly”.

Developers had wanted to build two tower blocks on scrubland between Marsh Lane and Flax Lane in Richmond Hill, 11 and 15 storeys- high.

Between them, they would have offered 350 flats.

Previous plans for the site were approved in 2018, but were never developed. They had included fewer individual properties, but had featured a health centre, green space and a shop.

The new proposals cut those communal features out however, because the developers said the scheme was unviable with them.

Objectors and local councillors were critical of this and the design of the building, which it was claimed would hinder the view of the city for neighbouring residents.

Speakingataplanspanelmeeting on Thursday, where the issue was discussed, Richmond Hill native Mike Heckman, said: “I ask members of the panel, would you want to wake up to that? Would you want to see that view on a morning?

“It’s too tall, it’s too overbearing and there’s no community facilities.

“By all means build on the land, but build something smaller, build something that can be part of the community and build something beautiful – the building is as ugly as sin.”

It was also claimed the scheme would make parking issues in the area worse, while there was also criticism of the fact that just three per cent of the flats would have been classed as affordable housing.

For the developers, Michelle Davies said that figure was as high as it could possibly be to make the scheme viable.