The plans for set standards of sustainable design and construction have been put together as part of the council’s commitment to becoming a greener local authority whilst ensuring Leeds continues to be a competitive, leading European city for both business and leisure.

If agreed, the plans would mean that many aspects of the design, construction and long-term use of developments would have to meet strict environmental standards.

The agreed standards will be reviewed regularly and will apply to all major developments in the city, either new build or conversion.

The new planning documents outline what standards new major developments will have to meet, and includes such things as using reused, recycled or local building materials, and encouraging considerate and efficient construction site practices.

Councillor Andrew Carter, executive board member responsible for development, said: 

“There is an increasing need, and indeed expectation, for developments to be eco-friendly in their design, construction and long-term use and these documents have been drafted with these points in mind. 
 
As part of the proposals, residents in Leeds are being encouraged to take part in a public consultation of the draft ‘Supplementary Planning Document’.
 
The consultation has started and will end at 5pm on Monday, 10 September.