Update on Affordable Housing Plans at Former Copperfields Site

Community invited to consultation on new housing development

Residents and local stakeholders are invited to attend a consultation event next week regarding plans to build over 100 affordable homes on the former Copperfields College site in Cross Green, Leeds. The development forms part of ongoing efforts to regenerate the area and address housing needs.

Details of the proposed development

The scheme, being prepared jointly by Leeds City Council, Incommunities housing association, and developer Keepmoat, would involve the construction of approximately 120 affordable homes. These properties are planned to be energy efficient and of high quality.

In addition to the new homes, the council intends to provide a new community sports pitch as an enhanced replacement for an existing pitch currently located on the land designated for housing. The pitch would remain under council ownership.

Community consultation event

• Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026
• Time: 3pm to 6pm
• Location: St Hilda’s Church Hall, Cross Green Lane

At the event, representatives from Leeds City Council, Incommunities, and Keepmoat will be available to provide information and answer questions about the proposed development.

Housing tenure and allocation

The development aims to provide a mix of affordable housing tenures, with 60% of the homes designated for social rent and 40% for affordable rent. The homes will be owned and managed by Incommunities.

Initial tenancies, as well as 60% of subsequent lettings, will be offered to individuals on the council’s housing register, prioritising local housing needs.

Background and site information

The former Copperfields College site covers approximately 10.3 hectares and is located around one mile east of Leeds city centre, bounded by the A63, Cross Green Lane, and Pontefract Lane.

Copperfields College closed in 2004, with its buildings demolished around 2009. The Co-op Academy Brierley opened on a central part of the site in 2024. The remaining land has been earmarked for housing development under the Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan since 2017.

The 3.9-hectare section proposed for housing is currently council-owned and situated to the south-west of the academy. The council has provisionally agreed to sell this land to Incommunities, subject to conditions including the delivery of the replacement sports pitch.

Wider context of affordable housing in Leeds

Between 2022 and 2025, nearly 1,900 affordable homes were delivered across Leeds. Of these, approximately 25% were directly built or acquired by the council, around 40% by registered providers such as housing associations, and 35% facilitated through planning agreements with private developers.

Leeds City Council recently approved a new 10-year strategy aiming to deliver 1,500 affordable homes annually by 2036.

Further information

For more details on the Leeds Affordable Housing Strategy, visit the council’s website.

Incommunities currently owns and manages over 22,650 homes across Yorkshire and is involved in development, investment, and community support activities.

Residents interested in the proposals are encouraged to attend the consultation event to learn more and provide feedback.