Plans to extend a vandalised former science block at Pudsey Grangefield School and transform it into 19 flats have been withdrawn by applicants.
Riana Developments Ltd wanted to build 19 studio and one-bedroom apartments with 17 parking spaces in the old school grounds off Richardshaw Lane.
But concerns about the development were raised by Leeds City Council’s design and conservation teams and developers have been told to go back to the drawing board. In their objection comments, the council says:
“The proposed alterations and extensions completely undermine the integrity of the modernist architecture and the relationship of the existing building to the listed building. The street scene elevations, proposed elevations and floor plans show this clearly.
“Any proposal to alter and or extend this building needs to be carefully thought out using the modernist architectural language of the building; which responds to the character and concept of the original without competing with the listed building. In its current form the proposal cannot be supported in design terms.”
Highways officers said there was a shortfall of parking spaces on the site.
The adjacent main Grade II Listed school building has already been converted to apartments, but the 1960s science block site has been left undeveloped and has become a storage area and dumping ground for excess materials and spoil.
Developers say the site is overgrown, and the building has become derelict and subject to vandalism and damage.
A developers’ design statement accompanying the original planning application said:
“The proposed scheme will bring an existing building back into use, and prevent further vandalism and anti-social behaviour within the area.
“The new development will provide much-needed housing within the area, and remove an unsympathetic building which currently adversely affects the setting of the adjacent Listed building.
“The new building will still be subservient to the main building and the materials will provide a traditional building form with some modern additions which will enhance the overall site as a whole.”
The withdrawn plans can be read here.
A new Pudsey Grangefield School was built on an adjacent site.
Yesterday, The Dispatch revealed plans for flats at the nearby former historic Trinity Church, off Lowtown, had been refused by council planning officers.
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