By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

An expanded housing scheme could use government funding to help deliver more than 1,800 new homes.

A 28-storey block is part of the planned development on Kirkstall Road.

Social housing provider Clarion drew up plans for the project and has started work on a first phase.

Revised plans saw an extra 233 apartments added to the overall project on the site of a former chemical works.

In total, up to 1,853 homes are planned, of which some 743 would be affordable.

Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel yesterday gave consent in principle for the extra 233 apartments, ahead of more detailed proposals being presented.

Councillors were told Latimer Developments Ltd, the development arm of Clarion, would be carrying out building work.

A report to the panel said: “Latimer will construct the affordable properties and handover the completed units to Clarion, which is a registered provider.

“Clarion will own and manage the social rented properties and will be responsible for their future lettings and maintenance.”

It is hoped grant funding will be secured from government agency Homes England to pay for the affordable parts of the project.

Affordable homes would amount to 40 per cent of the scheme, higher than the seven per cent required under council planning policy.

The report said plans were revised after the developer carried out a review of its land holdings.

It said: “The principal change in the revised scheme is an increase in building heights, with apartment blocks now ranging from nine to 28 storeys, compared with eight to 15 storeys previously approved.”

The full plans panel agenda can be found here.