Ambitious plans to transform a historic former church and nightclub in Pudsey into 20 one-bedroom flats have been refused by Leeds City Council.
Pudsey-based Mossfold Developments Ltd had wanted to transform the landmark Grade II Listed Trinity Methodist Chapel, off Lowtown, by transforming it into self-contained flats with car parking.
Trinity closed as a church in 1982 and was used as a shopping arcade throughout the 1980s and 90s, as well as an arts centre, Citizens Advice Bureau and cafe. Most recently it was a nightclub, which closed three years ago due to anti-social behaviour.
But council planning officers rejected the flats plans, saying they ‘over-developed’ the site and raised concerns over the size of the flats. A report refusing the application said:
“…the proposed alterations are unacceptable as they would result in the loss of architectural detailing, original patterning of window openings and external doors and introduction of an external staircase which would be considered incongruous and detrimental to the special historic character of this Grade II Listed building.”
Planners also said the car park would adversely affect the character and appearance of the area.
Mossfold had pledged to incorporate and even enhance as many of the building’s historical features as possible
The development had already been scaled back from original proposals for 30 flats.
The chapel dates back to around 1899.
WLD featured the original proposals last November.
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The owner of the Trinity Chapel has been removing graves and grave stones for weeks now presumably to make the car park bigger. Will this continue now that the planning consent for the 20 flats has been refused?