Burton's factory site could become sustainable housing development

Plans have been submitted to transform the site of the world’s largest clothing factory in Burmantofts into hundreds of new homes.

Avant Homes want to transform the 49-acre former Burton’s clothing factory site into 302 energy-efficient homes.

Plans include public green space on the location of the site’s original bowling green and gardens. The existing woodland will be retained and managed.

Avant Homes said it has developed a heritage strategy which will see landmark features retained including art deco motifs and Burton signage panels.

In a statement, Avant Homes’ Timothy Pegg said: “Our planning application for Montague Place not only delivers much needed new homes but also encapsulates our vision to transform and regenerate a fascinating place of historic and social importance to Leeds.

“By meeting different housing needs, our multi-tenure approach and commitment to building energy efficient homes supports diverse communities and provides opportunities for local people.

“Montague Place has sustainability at its core from the designs of our homes, through to the benefits provided by the public realm.

“Our ambition is for the development to be an exemplar of urban regeneration and to deliver a thriving new sustainable community for Leeds. We now look forward to Leeds City Council considering our plans.”

A heritage statement accompanying Avant’s application said: “Based on our assessment of the nearby listed building, there will be no harm to the significance of the Grade II Listed Church of St Agnes or those elements of setting which contribute towards its significance. The requirements of s.66 of The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 can be satisfied if LCC grants planning permission for the hybrid application.

“The Proposed Development would maintain the significance of the Grade II Beckett Street Cemetery Registered Park and Garden and those elements of setting which contribute towards its significance.”