![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Sayner-Lane-667.jpg\")
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An 18-storey block of flats can be built after three attempts by a developer to secure planning permission.<\/p>\n
A proposal for 164 apartments at Sayner Lane in Hunslet was agreed after Leeds City Council was offered an increased financial contribution.<\/p>\n
The project was first deferred by the City Plans Panel in May after no affordable homes were offered.<\/p>\n
Eight discount rents were then included by housing firm Countrylarge Ltd, but members were not satisfied and raised further concerns over a lack of grassed space at a July meeting.<\/p>\n
On Thursday (7 August 2025), councillors were told design changes had been made and almost \u00a3207,000 would go towards green space improvements in the city.<\/p>\n
\nPanel member Colin Campbell said: \u201cI think the whole process we have been through is an important lesson for developers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause we expect the best of designs, the best of facilities. We expect the flats to meet the standards we have set.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Coun Campbell, who represents Otley and Yeadon, has criticised housing developers\u2019 use of financial viability assessments to show discount rents cannot be provided.<\/p>\n
\nHe said: \u201cIf it\u2019s not viable, why are you doing it? The answer is we do it because we can make it viable if we don\u2019t meet council policy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The contribution to off-site green space improvements was up from the \u00a331,860 first offered. Coun Campbell pointed out there was little green space within the Sayner Lane scheme itself.<\/p>\n
Farnley and Wortley Green Party member David Blackburn raised concerns that discount rents at 80 per cent of market rate were not really affordable.<\/p>\n
\nBut he said: \u201cI\u2019m still not happy with this but I think we\u2019ve pushed it as far as we can.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet this be a warning to developers. Come with something that\u2019s not quite policy and we\u2019ll make you take it away.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Councillors unanimously voted to defer and delegate approval to the chief planning officer, subject to legal agreements.<\/p>\n
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This post was written by Dom Mort<\/strong>, Local Democracy Reporter<\/p>\n
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