Plans to build more than 200 houses and 2,400 square metres of offices in Kirkstall could have final approval by Leeds planning chiefs next week.

The proposals are part of a masterplan to redevelop the area around Kirkstall Forge railway station, close to the site of the eponymous centuries-old former ironworks.

The wider site already has outline permission, meaning work has already been done to make the land ready for development. Phase one of the development – the large office block next to the train station – opened in 2017.

This part of the application – known as phase two – covers an area of around three hectares and includes future sites (known as C and D), which are expected to be developed as housing at some point in the future.

It would consist of 136 apartments across two blocks, as well as 77 houses.

According to a report from Leeds City Council planning officers, the plans have support from Leeds Civic Trust which “strongly supports the project for commendable design intentions”.

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The document concludes: “The proposal provides for what is considered to be an updated and improved design arrangement to an established general set of parameters secured through previous reserved matters consents relating to the original Outline consent and Masterplan/place making of the wider Forge estate.”

It follows redevelopment of part of the 24-hectare site in the past few years, including a new rail station. It’s all part of a master-plan for the site, expected to cost up to £400m.

The forge itself was once one of the world’s oldest working industrial sites, as its history could be traced back to the 12th century when it was used as a corn mill by monks at Kirkstall Abbey.

It had been used as an iron works since the 16th century and closed for the final time at the turn of the millennium.

The application will be heard by Leeds City Council’s South and West Plans Panel on Thursday, January 28.