Retirement flats plan rejected after objections

Plans to demolish a building dating back to the 19th Century to make way for 26 flats for elderly people have been refused.

Planning permission for the project on Stainbeck Lane in Chapel Allerton was declined by Leeds City Council after objections were raised.

Roche Retirement Living had applied to knock down the vacant Georgian building, known as Springvale, to make way for a block of self-contained apartments with a communal lounge, medical room and mobility scooter store.

But 17 people living near the proposed development in the Chapel Allerton Conservation Area raised concerns about the plans.

A letter from Leeds Civic Trust objecting to the proposals said the organisation wished to "strongly object to the application".

"We feel that as a positive building in a conservation area, the existing 19th Century building should be retained and has the potential for re-use," the letter stated.

The trust went on to say the development would be too large for the site and detrimental to the Grade II listed Mustard Pot pub opposite.

Objectors also raised concerns over parking and road safety after plans went out to consultation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A planning officer's report said three comments in support of the application had been received.

One of those said the plans would be "an excellent addition to the area and huge improvement to the site as it is presently".

The report added the development would help meet a growing need for supported housing for the elderly.

It said: "The second identified benefit will be the bringing back into use of a site that has laid unused for a considerable period of time."

However, it was noted in the report that the development would not be in keeping with its location, offered no affordable housing and there were concerns over the impact on protected trees.

"The harms identified to heritage assets would be significant and should be afforded substantial weight," planners said.

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