09.02.18
Leeds consults on plans to reduce housing targets
A public consultation on plans for a lower future housing target for Leeds has kickstarted today.
The consultation on changes to the Core Strategy, which was adopted in 2014 and underpins all development in the city, will run for six weeks.
Changes include a reduction in the housing target from 70,000 new homes between 2012 and 2028 to 51,952 from 2017 to 2033, a proposal which must be supported and endorsed by the government.
The proposal, which comes following a review of the housing element of the strategy, seeks to take into account the latest figures, as well as new government guidelines on assessing future housing need.
The council says that with a phased approach to bringing forward sites for development, the extended delivery period from 2028 to 2033 will offer further flexibility to respond to levels of housing need in the city over time.
This revised figure has been put forward for public consultation by the council’s cross-party development plan panel.
Other aspects of the review that are for public consideration are housing standards, accessibility, affordable housing, green space, sustainable homes and electric vehicle charging points in the city.
Alongside the Core Strategy review, the council is also carrying out a public consultation on proposals to protect 33 housing sites in green belt areas of the city from being developed for new housing.
Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “We are very pleased to now be able to put these changes including the revised future housing figure for the city out for public consultation as we said we would do.
“This approach will help us to ensure Leeds has a plan-led approach with the right houses being built where they are needed.
“This is an issue which is of pivotal importance to the future growth and development of Leeds so we want as many people as possible to look at these plans and tell us what they think.”
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