Leeds Council blocks warehouse conversion into shared housing after dozens of objections from residents

Five-bed HMO plan blocked after dozens lodge objections

The planned conversion of a warehouse in Leeds into shared housing has been blocked after dozens of people objected.

Leeds City Council refused planning permission for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in East End Park.

Part of an industrial unit on East Park View would have been converted into five bedrooms with a shared front room and kitchen.

The council received 45 letters of objection, raising concerns over parking, overcrowding and living conditions for occupants.

One objector said: “The proposal is out of character with the surrounding residential area and represents over-development of the site.”

More than 80 people signed an online petition against the scheme.

The petition website said: “Increased traffic movements will add to existing highway safety concerns.

“Additional noise and disturbance will negatively affect neighbouring homes.”

Objectors also raised concerns over the potential impact on local services from people moving into the HMO.

The website said: “Local infrastructure and services are already under pressure. The proposal risks changing the character of the local area.”

Two letters of support were received from people who said more housing was needed in the area.

One said: “The proposal would contribute towards meeting housing need in Leeds through the re-use of an existing building.”

But council planners said bedrooms and communal facilities would be too small for people living in the proposed HMO.

The council was also concerned that the partial conversion of the building would lead to the loss of a site which could create jobs.

A planning officer’s report said the scheme would retain part of the building for warehouse and storage use.

It said: “However, the proposal would result in the unjustified loss of a substantial proportion of an existing employment premises.”