Grade II-listed Leeds landmark faces major transformation under new plans for 17-bed shared house plans
Historic Leeds building could be transformed into 17-bed shared house
A historic building could be turned into a 17-bed shared house if latest plans are agreed with Leeds City Council.
Planning permission is sought for the conversion of Grade II-listed Matthew Murray House in Holbeck.
The two upper floors of the Water Lane building would be converted into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Part of the ground floor, a former foundry workshop, would become a sandwich shop if the scheme is approved by the council.
A design report said the shared housing would be more affordable than other private rentals in the area.
It said: “The proposed changes to Matthew Murray House are mainly internal to make better use of the upper two floors of the building and provide economical residential letting accommodation.”
A previous proposal to create a 22-bed HMO at the site was refused in November last year.
Concerns were raised over noise and a high turnover of HMO tenants if that scheme was allowed.
The current proposal would see 11 ensuite living spaces created on the first floor with a shared kitchen area.
The second floor would house six rooms with shared shower facilities and a communal kitchen.
The 19th century building is named after the Victorian manufacturer who designed the first steam locomotive in 1812.
The report said: “Matthew Murray House has certainly been a part of the historic fabric in the Holbeck area.
“The current owner first bought the building in the 1980s, since maintaining it to compliment the ever-growing Leeds landscape.”
An application for full planning permission and listed building consent is out for consultation until July 30.