Plans agreed to turn former Leeds care home into alcohol rehab centre

A charity can operate an alcohol rehabilitation centre from a former care home after plans were agreed with the council.

St Anne’s Community Services sought permission to convert Dyneley House in Chapel Allerton into a treatment facility.

Leeds City Council received 35 letters of objection from people living near the former 24-bed residential home on Allerton Hill.

Some feared road safety problems and the potential impact on youngsters attending nearby St Matthew’s CE Primary School.

One objector wrote: “There is a concern that the proposal could have a negative impact on the quality of our the local residents’ lives, and local house prices.”

But a supporter of the scheme said they had been reassured after attending a drop-in session organised by St Anne’s.

They said: “The location of Dyneley House is peaceful and pleasant and suitable for the recovering residents. I welcome them.”

Council planners said the proposed use of the site would help vulnerable people and bring the building back into use.

The project involved only limited external works which would not harm the character of the Chapel Allerton Conservation Area, their report said.

It said: “The continued use of the premises will offer a benefit in terms of its continued contribution towards the character of the conservation area, as occupied buildings tend to be better maintained than vacant buildings.

“The service on offer will assist a vulnerable sector of the community within the wider Leeds context and perform a service that the current NHS service is struggling to provide for.

“This is a considerable benefit of the proposal.”

The council said any impact on house values was not a material planning consideration.

The applicant would be required to draw up plans to provide enough parking spaces before the building was occupied.

A condition was also added to ensure the building was only used for the rehabilitation of people with alcohol-related issues.