Plans to remove the top 10 metres from the chimney at historic Stonebridge Mills have been formally withdrawn by developers.
The plans, first submitted last June, had seen developers Stonebridge Mills Ltd apply to Leeds City Council to remove the top of the chimney at the Grade II Listed building as part of their plans to build more than 100 new homes on the site.
The homes plans were withdrawn late last year following objections from a variety of heritage watchdogs, including Leeds Civic Trust, National Heritage and Historic England.
In December, fresh, slightly scaled-down proposals were submitted for 112 dwellings at the Grade II Listed mill site off Stonebridge Lane. These proposals included rebuilding the chimney to its full height.
Influential watchdog Historic England have now withdrawn their objections to the main housing scheme on the site, but still have some reservations. In a letter to planners, they say:
“We do still have a number of concerns regarding the impact on the historic environment as set out in the advice below, however we no longer formally object to the application on heritage grounds.
“The proposal would result in harm being caused to the significance of the Grade II listed buildings on the site that is less than substantial. The proposal will also result in substantial harm being caused to the Grade II listed Metre House as a result of it being demolished.
“It will be necessary for your Authority to be satisfied that the public benefits deriving from the scheme will outweigh these harmful impacts.”
The main planning application for the site can be viewed here.
Leeds City Council’s south and west plans panel will formally decide the application later this year.