An award-winning Kirkstall pub which has been plagued by flooding has applied for permission to build a conservatory extension.
The Kirkstall Bridge Inn has been flooded several times in the past, most recently during the Boxing Day floods of 2015 which left part of the building, next the River Aire, under several feet of water.
But owners Kirkstall Brewery have applied to build a small conservatory at the back of the neo-Victorian pub, along with a balcony terrace.
Information submitted as part of the application reads:
“Kirkstall Bridge Inn proposes to create a rear extension to accommodate further seating and create views out towards the River Aire.
“This will primarily consist of a small conservatory area. This extension will also include an external balcony terrace and bike store at ground floor level. A wood burner will be included within the conservatory …”
Accompanying the application is a flood management plan to cater for when the Aire breaks its banks.
The application – which can be viewed and commented upon here – has already attracted a letter of support from Burley-based pub campaigner Stuart Long, who describes the proposals as ‘sympathetic’ and mirroring ‘how cloisters would be set out’ at the nearby historic Kirkstall Abbey.
Merry Monk demolition
As reported in March, plans to demolish the former Merry Monk public house in Kirkstall Hill, Burley, and replace it with nine houses have already been submitted by developers. These proposals are still being considered by Leeds City Council.
This week new plans by Wortley-based RDF Building Ltd have been submitted to demolish the building ahead of those proposals being submitted. The developers cite problems with anti-social behaviour on the site.
In the application RDF states:
“Premises [are] due to be demolished pending approval of current planning application for new residential development. Premises [are] closed and subject to vandalism, break-in and anti-social behaviour.”
The pub closed last August and a group of Kirkstall residents won the right to get the pub listed as an asset of community value in September.
The application can be viewed and commented upon here.
