Plans to transform Calverley Mechanics’ Institute into a new village library have been given the green light.
WLD reported earlier this year that Calverley Library was to move in a bid to save Leeds City Council money.
£200,000 plans have been drawn up to relocate the library, which the council says currently has some of the lowest footfall, book borrowing and computer usage figures across the city.
This week council planning officers approved a planning application to change the use of the Mechanics to a library.
External alterations including raising the level of the pathway and removal of a section of railings to allow level access to the building; new external lighting and replacement of existing front door with glazed door.
The relocation will include upgraded accessible toilets and redecoration of the library areas to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
A planning officer’s report colluded that the proposal is considered compliant with the relevant policies.
A public consultation into the future of the existing library in Thornhill Street was launched in April – 70% of respondents were in support of the proposal, with many commenting that the proposed building would be more suitable and have potential to be a more usable community space.
One objection to the proposal was received, which centred around on-street parking pressures in Blackett Street.
The plans can be viewed in full here.
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