Leeds 60-acre logistics development moves step closer

Plans to develop a strategic 60-acre site in East Leeds have moved a step closer following confirmed allocation into the Leeds Site Allocation Plan (SAP) for major employment use.

The site, known locally as Brown Moor, is situated adjacent to the Thorpe Park Leeds business destination and The Springs retail and leisure centre.  

Bounded by the M1 motorway and TransPennine railway line, the site already benefits from connectivity to key infrastructure such as the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) and established bus routes through Thorpe Park Leeds.

Last year, Scarborough Group International (SGI) tabled proposals to develop the site for a major new employment park, submitting an outline planning application for up to 55,417 sq m (596,500sq ft) of purpose-built accommodation.

The proposed development, named Integral, aims to deliver a range of buildings suitable for companies of different sizes within the advanced manufacturing, logistics and industrial sectors, with the potential to support around 1,700 new jobs.

SGI says the scheme will retain the vast majority of the established woodland and hedgerows across the site, while adding to these with new green spaces and landscaping corridors to connect into the existing amenities and public rights of way within the adjacent Thorpe Park Leeds, The Springs and local conurbations to the East and West of the site.

Adam Varley, development director at SGI, said: “We are delighted that Brown Moor has been allocated with the Local Plan following recommendations from the Planning Inspectorate.  

“We see that site as a key strategic site to allow the expansion of Thorpe Park Leeds and our development proposals support the continued growth of the park and future diversifying the mix of employment opportunities generating major economic benefits for the region.

 “The logistics sector is one of the fastest growing areas of employment in the UK and our plans and proposals for the scheme  will deliver against a tight supply of prime space within West Yorkshire designed to cater for sustainable business practice as well as attracting exceptional talent.”

SGI has already identified strong interest from potential occupier interest for Integral and hopes to be able to submit a detailed planning application for the first phase of development in the second half of the year upon the determination of the current outline application.

The proposed development will be accessed from the existing junction from the new Manston Lane Link Road (MLLR) which forms part of the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) which is directly accessed from junction 46 of the M1 motorway.