Plans to transform a former bank in Pudsey into a shop have been refused by Leeds Council planners.
Mr Shera Singh wanted to convert the former Barclays Bank building, at the junction of Lowtown and Manor House Street, into retail use.
His proposals included a roof-top extension and alterations to the ebuilding’s existing windows to allow for a retail presence and to improve an antiquated and unattractive entrance to the former bank, which closed many years ago.
But council planners said the building operates a prominent corner plot in the Pudsey Conservation Area. Rejecting the proposals, planning officers said in a report:
“The proposal would create significant alterations to a building that is considered to have architectural merit within a Conservation Area. The massing of the roof and an array of alterations to existing windows – beyond what is considered to be necessary to make the building function – are erosions of the character of the building and the wider Conservation Area.
“Whilst the proposal would enable a retail unit to be brought into use, the severity of the alterations required has not been adequately justified by the applicant. Accordingly, the harm caused to the Conservation Area, is not outweighed by the public benefit.”
The plans can be viewed in full here.
