Farsley residents can have their say on initial proposals to build 33 apartments on the site of the former Richmond House care home.
The home, off Richmond Road, was closed in 2021 due to council cuts and the building was demolished in 2023.
Housing chiefs have now launched a public consultation into their initial ideas for the site, ahead of a formal planning application being submitted.
Proposals include a two to three storey block, providing 33 apartments and a lift. Apartments would be a mix of one and two bedrooms. There would also be 23 car parking spaces and a private garden for residents.
All homes would be let and managed by Leeds City Council.Â
The consultation includes two drop in events at:
- Farsley Library on Wednesday, 26 March from 10am-12pm.
- Pudsey Civic Hall on Thursday, 3 April from 5pm-7pm.
Councillors split on proposals
Calverley & Farsley ward councillors are split over the proposals, with two welcoming the principle of it and one calling it an ‘abomination’.
Councillor Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said councillors had been promised that the site would be brought back as council housing following the demolition of Richmond House.
He said: “I am happy to support this proposed use, which meets some of the real need for affordable housing in the area. I have been asking that this provides smaller housing in line with the needs of people on the council house waiting list from within the local area.
“The Council Housing Growth team have now written to nearby residents ahead of any planning application being submitted to ask their views on a proposal for 33 apartments, including landscaping and a car parking area.
“Cllr Craig Timmins and I have provided some feedback around the scale and design of the property, and would welcome residents to have their say – especially those who live in the immediate area.
“This site could provide substantial affordable homes for people from our communities, allowing people to stay within the village, close to their friends, family and support network and the area they call home. We’re therefore very happy to see this progress.”
Cllr Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) was very critical of the development as it stands.
“The proposal is an abomination,” he said. “It is a classic example of too many dwellings a very small site.
“I have told the city council on countless occasions that the site should be developed sensitively, as far as existing residents are concerned.
“A part three-storey block that looks like a factory is completely unacceptable. Whatever is developed there should be for older people on a local lettings policy. As it stands this proposal is unacceptable.”
Have your say
More details about the plans can be found here.
- Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of Richmond House site here.