Plans to turn former bank into flats blocked by planners in Leeds
Plans to convert former bank into flats is blocked by council
Plans to transform a former town centre bank into new homes have been blocked by planning chief in Leeds.
Five flats would have been created at the HSBC bank chambers, on Church Lane, in Pudsey, under plans submitted to Leeds City Council.
Consent was sought to convert the ground floor of the building, which closed as a bank nearly six years ago.
A lack of natural light and privacy for tenants in the proposed flats was among reasons for refusal of planning permission.
Traffic and parking concerns were raised in two objection letters received by the council, including one from Pudsey Reform UK councillor Trish Smith.
They said: “The proposal would lead to the loss of a commercial space and does not represent an appropriate use within the town centre location.
“The building is located in a busy junction and is less suitable for residential use due to traffic, noise and safety concerns.”
The applicant argued that the development would be close to public transport links and included a bicycle locker.
A letter from Doyle Transport Planning said: “The site is clearly located within 65-metre walking distance of a bus public transport hub.
“In addition residents can get all of their shopping within a few minutes of walking of the site.”
Council highways officers said the flats would be in a suitable location and would not worsen existing traffic problems.
But the application for change-of-use planning permission was refused in a decision notice issued on June 9.