By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
The planned conversion of a former Pudsey town centre bank building into homes has been blocked by the city council.
Five flats would have been created at the HSBC bank chambers on Church Lane, under plans submitted to Leeds City Council.
Consent was sought to convert the ground floor of the building, which closed as a bank in 2020. The upper floor is already used as flats.
A lack of natural light and privacy for tenants in the proposed flats was among reasons for refusal of planning permission.
A council planning officer’s report said traffic and parking concerns were raised in two official objection letters received by the council, including one from Pudsey Reform UK councillor Trish Smith and another from a neighbour.
Objectors said: “The proposal would lead to the loss of a commercial space and does not represent an appropriate use within the town centre location.
“The building is located in a busy junction and is less suitable for residential use due to traffic, noise and safety concerns.”
The applicant argued that the development would be close to public transport links and included a bicycle locker.
A letter from Doyle Transport Planning said: “The site is clearly located within 65-metre walking distance of a bus public transport hub. In addition residents can get all of their shopping within a few minutes of walking of the site.”
Council highways officers said the flats would be in a suitable location and would not worsen existing traffic problems.
But the application for change-of-use planning permission was refused in a decision notice issued on June 9.
- The plans can be viewed in full here.
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