19th century chapels and villas get special protection

Following over a year of discussion and public consultation, the Cragg Hill and Woodside areas of Horsforth have been granted the status.

The decision by Leeds City Council follows two public consultations on the issue and the move will help to protect the area’s architecture and historical attractions from inappropriate demolition and development.

The new conservation area will take in the majority of Outwood Lane, as well as significant historic areas around Cragg Hill and Woodside, which are located at either end of Outwood Lane. A conservation area appraisal and management plan has also been produced to ensure the special interest of the conservation area is documented.

The area is steeped in historic and architectural interest, including early 19th century chapels, high status 19th century villas and evidence of the textile industry which was crucial to the development of Leeds.

This will be the third conservation area in Horsforth. The other two areas are based around Town Street and the Victorian Villa developments at Newlay.

The council’s executive board member responsible for development, Councillor Richard Lewis, said: “This is very good news for Horsforth. Awarding an area conservation status is an important step – it helps safeguard the special architectural and historic character of the area and protects important buildings from inappropriate demolition and development.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultations. The opinions of local people were an important part of this process.”

The conservation area went live earlier this month.

Buildings within a conservation area are protected from unauthorised demolition, and new developments have to meet higher standards of design than elsewhere to ensure they are approved.

More information on conservation areas in the city is available on Leeds City Council’s website at www.leeds.gov.uk/conservation – or from the Sustainable Development Unit, Leeds City Council, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD.