Leeds Victorian house in 'serious disrepair' to be transformed into eight flats
There were more than a dozen objections to the plans
A Victorian house and its grounds in Leeds could be turned into new homes after the site suffered years of disrepair and vandalism.
Plans have been agreed to convert the property at 22 Shire Oak Road in Headingley to create eight new flats.
Leeds City Council gave planning permission for the scheme, despite more than a dozen objections over the impact on the Grade II-listed building, known as Arncliffe.
A two-story extension will be built on the main building and an existing coach house will be restored.
A design report by the applicant Landmark Properties said: “The proposal is to restore the building, first floor apartment, and create a further apartment on the ground floor bringing a total of eight additional apartments to this site.”
Planning reports show the property was designed in the late 1800s by the celebrated Leeds architect FW Bedford.
The council received 14 letters of objection to the proposed scheme, raising concerns over its design and impact on the surrounding conservation area.
One said: “The proposed development is going to be ugly and spoil the proportions of the building and its garden.”
A heritage report by the applicant said the project would restore and enhance historical features of the site.
It said: “These designated heritage assets are a fine example of past Victorian-era architecture but unfortunately the site and buildings over the years have fallen into serious disrepair due to vandalism and lack of maintenance.”
The existing site was suffering from damage to plaster work and rotten window frames.
The report said: “The planned refurbishment works will conserve the historic fabric of the building in areas it is pressingly needed.”
Council planners said there would be some harm to the listed building from the extension and addition of parking spaces.
But their report said: “Overall it is considered that the limited heritage and housing mix harm to the conservation area and listed building will be outweighed by the public benefits.”