This 19th century building in Chapel Allerton will NOT be demolished
The demolition of a 19th century building to make way for 26 elderly people’s flats has been blocked.
Leeds City Council refused planning permission for the scheme on Stainbeck Lane in Chapel Allerton after objections were raised.
Roche Retirement Living applied to knock down the vacant Georgian building, known as Springvale.
A block of self-contained apartments with a communal lounge, medical room and mobility scooter store would have been built.
Objections were raised by 17 people living near the proposed development in the Chapel Allerton Conservation Area.
A letter from Leeds Civic Trust said: “The trust wishes to strongly object to the application.
“We feel that as a positive building in a conservation area the existing 19th century building should be retained and has the potential for re-use.”
The trust said the development would be too large for the site, and detrimental to the grade II-listed Mustard Pot pub opposite.
Objectors also raised concerns over parking and road safety after plans went out to consultation.
A planning officer’s report said three comments in support of the application were received.
One said: “This will be an excellent addition to the area and huge improvement to the site as it is presently.”
The report said the development would help meet a growing need for supported housing for the elderly.
It said: “The second identified benefit will be the bringing back into use of a site that has laid unused for a considerable period of time.”
But the development would not be in keeping with its location, offered no affordable housing, and there were concerns over the impact on protect trees.
The report said: “The harms identified to heritage assets would be significant and should be afforded substantial weight.”