PLATFORM_ submits planning application for 541 further homes at its transformative Sweetfields development in Leeds

Leading build to rent (BTR) developer and operator, PLATFORM_, has submitted a Reserved Matters application to Leeds City Council for the detailed design of the next phase of its landmark Sweetfields development on Sweet Street in the South Bank regeneration area of Leeds. This application follows the grant of outline planning permission in November 2023 for 1,351 homes and 200,000 sqft of commercial space across the 1.3 million sqft neighbourhood.

The Reserved Matters submission represents a significant milestone in the delivery of the 1.3 million sq ft mixed-use masterplan, reaffirming PLATFORM_’s long-term commitment to Leeds and the ongoing regeneration of the South Bank area, one of the UK’s most ambitious city centre transformation projects.

This latest phase will deliver 541 new BTR apartments across two buildings, comprising of a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes designed to appeal to a wide demographic. This follows phase one which comprises 451 BTR homes with extensive amenities, an Asda Express and a pub. These homes recently topped out and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

The first of the two buildings features two blocks ranging in height from 8 to 17 storeys, while the second is a stand-alone 23-storey tower, both designed to make the most of the views across Leeds city centre and the Yorkshire countryside to the south.

Residents will benefit from a comprehensive range of amenities including resident lounges, a gym, co-working spaces, private dining rooms, and elevated external terraces (located on levels 16 and level 22 respectively), providing vibrant spaces to relax, connect and unwind.

The proposals are underpinned by a landscaped, pedestrian-focused public realm, delivering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. The scheme integrates lush, biodiverse planting with the addition of 223 new trees across the wider Sweetfields site, creating an ecologically rich setting that enhances wellbeing and supports local biodiversity.

Designed with sustainability at its core, all homes are targeting EPC B as standard. The buildings will incorporate 4,090 sqft of green roof space and 3,477 sqft of photovoltaic panels to generate on-site renewable energy. Energy-efficient air source and VRF heat pumps will provide hot water, heating, and cooling, while the development is also futureproofed for connection to the Leeds PIPES District Heating Network.

The wider Sweetfields masterplan represents a £500 million investment in Leeds and will deliver 1,351 BTR homes alongside 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, new leisure and retail opportunities, and the sensitive restoration of the historic Commercial Inn. Once complete, Sweetfields will create a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood where people can live, work and socialise in a sustainable urban community.

Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said:
“Sweetfields embodies our vision to create a new benchmark for build to rent living; design-led, sustainable and well-connected. The submission of this planning application marks another important step forward in bringing this landmark development to life and delivering essential new homes and lasting benefit for the city of Leeds.”

Matt Willcock, Development Director at PLATFORM_, said:
“The design of these buildings has been carefully refined in collaboration with Leeds City Council and key stakeholders to ensure we deliver exceptional quality homes within a landscape-led environment. This phase continues our ambition to create a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood that contributes positively to the city’s South Bank regeneration.”

Located a 7-minute walk from Leeds Central Station, Sweetfields is ideally positioned to offer residents easy access to the city’s amenities, employment opportunities and cultural attractions.

A pioneer in the BTR sector, PLATFORM_ has a delivered portfolio and development pipeline of over 4,000 homes across major UK towns and cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Bristol.