Planning permission has been granted by Leeds City Council to redevelop St Mary’s Church in Richmond Hill, near Leeds city centre, into a new residential development.
The scheme will see the original Grade II* listed building restored alongside a new extension, which will be built within its grounds. A combined 175 one, two and three bedroom apartments have been approved.
Mark Henderson, director at Brewster Bye, said: “Securing planning permission for this scheme is fantastic news for both East Leeds as a whole and St Mary’s Church. It is a beautiful and historic building, but over the last 30 years it had become an ugly symbol of degeneration in this part of the city, with parts of the structure held up by scaffolding.
“Our proposals retain all the most important elements of the original church building and the sympathetic, yet striking extension help to make the development viable. It now has the potential to become a key landmark once again on the city’s skyline that both its new residents and the local area can be proud of.”
The nave and aisles of the church will be removed to make way for a new extension and the chancel, transept areas and altars will be retained and restored. The church, and its proposed extension, will contain 62 apartments and the existing presbytery will be demolished and replaced with a five-storey building consisting of 113 apartments. There will also be 152 cycle and 56 car parking spaces.
Jonathan Morgan, from Linley & Simpson, said: “This part new-build, part refurbishment development project is close to the award-winning Climate Innovation District by Citu, and the highly successful Saxton residential scheme, by Urban Splash. Its elevated position, one mile to the east of Leeds Railway Station, and innovative design will make it a truly remarkable and attractive place to live.
“Interested buyers may also be able to access some public funding and vacant building credit is also available, and with detailed planning permission now granted, work can start on site immediately.”
