Council blocks conversion of historic building into 17-bed shared house

The conversion of a historic former industrial building into a 17-bed shared house has been blocked by the council.

Objections were raised to latest plans for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) at Grade II-listed Matthew Murray house in Holbeck.

The 19th century building on Water Lane would have been divided into first and second floor homes, along with a ground floor sandwich shop.

Leeds City Council declined planning permission for the proposal after previously refusing plans for a 22-bed conversion of the building.

A planning officer’s report said the latest scheme was opposed by Leeds Civic Trust, along with eight people living nearby who raised concerns including harm to the listed building.

Road safety and the quality of homes on offer for people living there were also cited.

An objector wrote: “The second floor rooms would provide poor living conditions primarily by reason of their size, sloping roof affecting usable space and inadequate outlook.”

Planning documents said the 19th century building was named after the Victorian manufacturer who designed the first steam locomotive in 1812.

The current proposal would have seen 11 ensuite living spaces created on the first floor with a shared kitchen area.

The second floor would house six rooms with shared shower facilities and a communal kitchen.

A design report by the applicant saidthe shared housing would be more affordable than other private rentals.

It said: “The proposed changes to Matthew Murray House are mainly internal to make better use of the upper two floors of the building and provide economical residential letting accommodation.”

Council planners said new housing was needed in the area and the scheme would bring an under-used building back into use.

But they agreed that the project may not provide adequate living standards for residents.

Their report said: “There also remain significant concerns regarding the ability to ensure that residents would experience appropriate levels of noise and ventilation within the accommodation.”