A major housing development allocated in the Leeds Site Allocation Plan, originally approved in outline for 800 homes and now progressing through Reserved Matters and additional applications. Current activity includes further Persimmon applications for the adjoining land and continued approvals of detailed conditions.
Latest update: January 2026 – Leeds City Council planners delegated final approval of the first major phase to the Chief Planning Officer, subject to resolving outstanding matters relating to design, landscaping and boundary treatments.
Racecourse Approach
Approved Development.
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Documents & References
Better Wetherby’s View
Our Position
Key Issues & Evidence
Planning Context
Allocated in the Leeds Site Allocation Plan (SAP). Outline consent granted (800 homes) under 17/02594/OT. Conditions continue to be discharged in multiple stages (applications 21/08328/COND, 21/09077/COND, etc.).
Better Wetherby initially opposed the scheme, due to concerns about scale, traffic, environmental impact and pressure on public services.
However, once the site was formally allocated in the Leeds SAP and outline permission was granted, BW shifted to working constructively with Taylor Wimpey and Leeds planners.
Through design workshops over two years, BW influenced improvements making the scheme quieter, greener, cleaner and safer than first proposed, including securing bungalows, better street layouts, and improved sustainability features. BW continues to monitor Persimmon’s additional applications to ensure the entire development becomes an exemplar for Wetherby.
Highways & Transport
Access originally required via York Road under SAP; Taylor Wimpey attempted but failed to secure land. Plans Panel rejected alternative bus-only access, requiring SAP‑compliant access before development can proceed. BW and councillors raised concerns about pedestrian safety following a recent fatality near the proposed access point.
Environment & Ecology
BW has pushed for improved landscaping and boundary treatments around the “central energy hub.” Design workshops delivered enhancements to green space, quieter public areas and safer layouts. Issues such as groundwater risk and gypsum‑related subsidence appear in earlier objections.
Community Impact
Large‑scale housing (800–900 homes total when including Persimmon phases) increases pressure on schools, healthcare, and public transport. BW emphasises need for infrastructure upgrades and sustainable transport options.
What this development involves
Number/type of homes: 800 homes (original outline consent) – Taylor Wimpey Further 130 homes (Persimmon application 2023) – total approx. 930 when combined. Reserved Matters for 762 homes submitted under 21/08056/RM.
Developer(s): Taylor Wimpey (main site), Persimmon Homes (adjacent extension phase)
Key features: Revised design through multi‑year workshops, Inclusion of bungalows, Central energy hub requiring detailed boundary and design work
Planned timeline: First major phase passed final planning hurdle January 2026 (subject to detailed matters). Persimmon application active since late 2023.
Timeline of events
Nov 2024
Appeal allowed, planning permission granted with conditions.
Mar 2024
Lidl lodges appeal against refusal
Oct 2023
19 Oct 2023: Leeds Plans Panel refuses Lidl application (23/01507/FU) unanimously (9–0)
Oct 2022
Community Consultation Statement (Lichfields) prepared for Lidl & Springfield.
2022
Sainsbury application for a retail store on this site refused by LCC; no appeal pursued.