Leeds: Hundreds of homes set for former Direct Line offices

Hundreds of homes are set to be created in a 10-storey city centre building in Leeds.

Upper floors of the building on the Headrow, which was used as offices for the Direct Line insurance firm until 2021, are to be converted into studio flats.

It will feature shared kitchen and work spaces designed for recent graduates and workers who require short-term rentals, a council report said.

The scheme, at 42 the Headrow on the corner of Albion Street, will provide 230 homes in total and also feature a gym, library and roof garden spaces.

Existing shops on the ground floor, currently occupied by CEX, Jessops and Ladbrokes, would be retained under the plans.

Asghar Khan, Labour councillor for Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, said the scheme should increase footfall for nearby businesses and "enhance the area".

The legal agreement with developer Watkin Jones included a £2.4m contribution to affordable housing in the city, along with payments towards traffic measures.

It comes as the panel heard concerns about traffic congestion and parking problems nearby.

The application was sent to the council's chief planning officer for approval, subject to conditions, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.