Drighlington: Plans to build homes on site of historic former coach house blocked

Plans to build homes on the site of a historic former coach house have been blocked by the city council.

BP Land Ltd applied to convert the building into two homes and build five bungalows on adjacent land.

Planning agent Sam Ruthven, representing the applicant, said the stone-built homes would improve the appearance of the site.

He told a plans panel hearing: “The applicant is proposing to restore and secure the long-term future of the former coach house.”

Councillors were told the site was near historic buildings including Grade I-listed Lumb Hall and Lumb House, which is Grade II-listed.

Morley North Reform councillor Jon Graves said there was a need for more housing suitable for elderly people in the area.

He said: “There is a definite desire for bungalows within our ward.”

But planning officers said the five homes planned for the former paddock area would not be in line with council planning policies.

An Old Vicarage, classed as a non-designated heritage asset, was also among nearby buildings which would be affected.

A council report said: “Furthermore, the layout, design and character of the proposed development fail to respond sympathetically to the historic character, appearance and setting of the heritage assets.”

The council’s West Plans Panel refused consent for the project at a meeting at Leeds Civic Hall.