Historic church vestry in Leeds to become community space as plans get green light
Plans to restore part of a Gothic-style church in Leeds get the green light.
A historic church vestry in Leeds is set to be transformed into a community space after plans were agreed with the council.
Planning permission has been granted for the restoration of part of St Mark’s Gateway Church in Woodhouse.
Youth groups are set to be held at the Gothic-style church, which already serves as a food bank and community meeting space.
It was used as an Anglican church until 2001 but closed due to declining numbers of worshippers.
The building, which dates back to 1823, was bought by the Gateway Buildings Trust and re-opened in 2014 as a place of worship.
A planning report by the trust said additional space was needed for a busy programmee of community activities.
It said: “To accommodate these activities, the church now needs to bring all the available space into use and the vestry is the one area which remains unusable except for storage.
“An additional room would greatly enhance the usefulness of the building, particularly community activities.”
Leeds City Council granted planning and listed building consent for the project.
A planning officer’s report said the scheme would not harm the character of the building on St Mark’s Road.
It said: “The church is an imposing edifice in a Gothic style, replete with imposing pews and chancel and having striking lead-stained glass windows to the side elevations.”
Leeds City Council granted permission for the scheme, which includes a new kitchenate area, toilets and an outside footpath.