New flats will be built in prime Leeds city centre spot above Forbidden Planet

Seven flats can be built in a historic Leeds city centre building after plans were agreed with the council.

Part of a Grade II-listed building on the Headrow, opposite the Three Legs pub, will be redeveloped.

Six one-bedroom and a single two-bed apartment will be created at the site, above science fiction shop Forbidden Planet.

The conversion of the upper floors of the 1930s building was given the go-ahead by Leeds City Council.

A council planning officer’s report said: “The property is located within a wider row which sits to the northern side of the Headrow.

“The building is four storeys high and of 1930s construction and features shop uses to the ground floor, with a mixture of offices and residential to the upper floors.”

People living in the new flats at 6 The Headrow would be close to bus stops and within walking distance of Leeds Station.

The report said: “The site is in a sustainable location, close to good public transport links including bus stops and the railway station and has good access to local shops and services in the city centre.

“Nearby public visitor car parking provision can be found.”

The council’s conservation officer raised no objections to alterations to the building’s interior, previously used as offices, the report said.

It said: “It is considered that the proposal would preserve the special architectural character and historical significance of the host listed building.”

A report by CRL Architects said demand for city centre offices had declined due to a growing trend towards remote and hybrid working.

The report by said: “As a result, many upper-floor office spaces within historic commercial buildings in Leeds and further afield have become under-utilised or vacant.

“The scheme has been developed with careful regard to the architectural significance of the listed building and its contribution to the wider historic townscape of the Headrow.”