New Council Housing Proposed for Rothwell Site

Leeds City Council advances plans for affordable homes in Rothwell

Leeds City Council has submitted a planning application for a new affordable housing development on a vacant brownfield site at Wood Lane in Rothwell. The proposed scheme aims to provide 21 apartments intended for rent by people on the council’s housing register, addressing the local shortage of affordable one and two-bedroom homes.

Details of the Proposed Development

The development is planned as a two-storey building comprising a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. The internal layouts are designed to maximise floor space and allow for future adaptations to meet tenants’ changing needs. The scheme incorporates a low carbon design strategy, featuring high-specification insulation, double glazing, and sustainable heating and energy measures.

Additional site features include:

• Car parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points
• Dedicated bicycle storage facilities
• Landscaped areas with new trees and shrubs
• A private amenity space for residents

The site was previously occupied by the Home Lea House care home, which was demolished in 2023. The surrounding area is residential with convenient access to local shops and services. Efforts have been made to ensure the new building’s scale and appearance fit with neighbouring properties.

Community Engagement and Housing Demand

Prior to submitting the planning application, the council conducted public consultation. Information packs were sent to 175 local properties, and two in-person engagement events took place at Haigh Road Community Centre. Council data indicates a particular demand for one and two-bedroom affordable homes in Rothwell.

Context Within Wider Housing Programme

If approved, the Wood Lane development will be delivered through Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), which has already built or acquired hundreds of affordable homes across the city. Recent and ongoing CHGP projects include:

• A 79-home scheme proposed for a former flats site at Boggart Hill, Seacroft, following demolition of Kingsdale Court flats
• The Middlecross development in Armley, providing 65 apartments for affordable rent to people aged over 55 with care and support needs
• A scheme at the former Hough Side High School site near Pudsey, delivering 82 affordable homes
• Recently completed developments at Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft and Ambertons in Gipton, which together provided 88 affordable homes

Council Statement

Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, commented on the proposals, highlighting the council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing. He noted that the Wood Lane scheme would help meet local housing needs and make productive use of a currently vacant site.

The council continues to seek planning permissions and develop affordable housing schemes across Leeds as part of its ongoing efforts to address housing shortages in the city.