East Leeds church derelict for 31 years could finally be redeveloped

Plans to transform the former church into dozens of flats are set to go before Leeds City Council decision-makers this week, more than 30 years after it first closed down.

Plans include demolition of the nave and aisles of the church, and replace them with 175 flats over two buildings. The scheme will include the restoration of the church chancel, transept and chapels, with an added extension, while the presbytery building will be demolished entirely and replaced with a five-storey block.

The church, for so many years an icon of east Leeds, was built in the 1850s, but has stood empty for more than 30 years, having closed in 1989.

A report into the state of the church buildings describes them as being in an “advanced state of dereliction”, with both the church and presbytery on the council’s register of buildings at risk.

Several attempts have been made to renovate the site over the years, with planning applications approved in 2008 as well as an application to extend the time allowed for development 2011 – but work never even begun. Permission for redevelopment of the site ran out in 2014.

The earliest attempt at redeveloping the site dates back to 1994, when an application was submitted to renovate the presbytery into 18 flats, but was later withdrawn.

The report adds: “The church is a local landmark due to the elevated nature of the site (known locally as ‘The Bank’) and is visible over a considerable distance from the north.

“Since the redevelopment of the site was first granted permission by the Local Planning Authority in 2008, the site has become further dilapidated and is now in an even more advanced state of dereliction.”

During the consultation, two of the area’s ward councillors – Asghar Khan and Denise Ragan – raised concerns about the proposed access to the site from Richmond Hill Approach causing unacceptable noise and disturbance to existing residents, adding there was potential for the access to be blocked. An alternative access was suggested via Places Road/Ellerby Lane.

The report concludes that the principle of development on the site was considered “acceptable” subject to planning conditions, adding: “In the event of a favourable officer recommendation being advanced and then supported by Panel Members, prior to the applications being determined, they must be referred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as a demolition application of a Grade II* listed building to ascertain if the Secretary of State wishes to call in either application for determination.”

Leeds City Council’s North and East Plans Panel will meet on Thursday, December 3 to discuss the plans.