A planning application is currently being considered by Leeds City Council for the old New Birks Farm site on Ings Lane, Guiseley. The plan is to restore the 18th century stone farmhouse and barn, whilst adding three new dwellings to the north – making 5 dwellings in total. The old Dutch barn is to be demolished. Comments need to be in to LCC on their Planning Portal by Thursday 28th September 2023.

The plan was submitted in August 2023 following a public consultation, and has received a number of comments from different Council departments following which plan revisions have been submitted. Official comments include:

• Local Plans – as the site is within the Green Belt, the three new dwellings are required to show ‘very special circumstances’ if they are to receive planning permission. This means material benefits of the development have to outweigh and harms caused.
• Highways – as access on to Ings Lane is not without challenges given the location of the entrance, especially for service vehicles.
• The Landscape Team – the site setting is important to both keep open, maintain views across the Guiseley Gap and achieve ecological net gain and biodiversity. A planned orchard has been changed for native planting. Comments on landscape planting to do with the use of the Ings by wetland birds would be helpful.
• Yorkshire Water – re flooding
• Public Rights of Way – with regards the adjoining public footpath to White Cross. Can improvements be made to this path?
• West Yorkshire Archaeology – the site requires archaeological recording before development starts as it is of positive historical importance to the heritage of Guiseley.

The most useful document to read first is the Revised Planning Case Report dated 31st August and site maps, including the Revised Landscape Landscape Proposals dated 14th September. You can find the planning application here 23/04728/FU.