Approval for redevelopment of landmark church

Planning permission has been granted for the conversion and extension of a landmark grade II*-listed former church in Leeds to create a new development of apartments.Estate Aid Ltd and MSM (Leeds) Ltd, supported by Brewsters Bye Architects and Carter Jonas, submitted planning and listed building applications to Leeds City Council last summer for the Mount St Mary’s Church in Richmond Hill.The church dates back to 1851 but closed in 1989 and was sold to a housing trust. Currently the building is vacant, supported by scaffolding and is in need of restoration.The nave and aisles of the church are set to be demolished under the plans to make way for a new extension. The chancel, transept areas and altars will be retained and restored. The church and its proposed extension will contain 62 apartments.The presbytery will also be demolished and replaced with a five-storey apartment block with a further 113 apartments.In total, the scheme will comprise 83 one-bedroom. 82 two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom apartments. The plans also include 152 cycle and 56 car parking spaces.The plans were produced in consultation with Historic England, Civic Trust and Leeds City Council’s conservation department.The council’s North and East Plans Panel unanimously voted to granted planning consent at a meeting last wee (18 February 2021).Following approval, development site will now be marketed for sale for offers over £2.85m by Linley & Simpson.The decision was in line with the recommendation of a planning officer’s report prepared for the meeting, as previously reported by Insider.