New homes plan for former hospital mortuary at High Royds, Menston

Avant Homes is asking Leeds City Council's planning department to approve the change of use and alterations to block 6 (former mortuary) at the former High Royds Hospital site in Menston, to form three residential units including a new bike shed and bin store.

The former mortuary is located on the north west half of the site at Chevin Park, fronting High Royds Drive.

A design and access statement prepared to support the application says: "The building has had frequent break-ins, fly tipping and has had metal ripped out internally. Avant Homes, would like to convert this to dwellings as the locality of the area is residential and commercial use would not be appropriate.

"Avant Homes feel that a residential building would fit in the area. After the proposed refurbishment works the building outlook would change for the better. The proposed dwellings will come with dedicated car parking incorporating EV charge points and bicycle store."

The former High Royds Hospital was built in the late 19th century. It is a Grade II listed building and planning permission was originally granted in 2003 for change of use of the hospital and new buildings to 541 dwellings, offices, creche, assisted living facility of 84 self contained units, retail and sports pitches.

The design and access statement adds: "The sensitive refurbishing of the historic buildings Block 6 will bring considerable benefit in safe guarding through securing a future sustainable use, which will enable the future preservation of the Grade II listed properties."

The existing freezers inside the building will be removed

It concludes: "The proposals to change the use from Mortuary to residential will ensure future security for the whole site and surrounding area.

"The proposals seek to alter part of the listed building to create an improved first floor accommodation which was previously discounted as being too expensive however Avant Homes would like to preserve and improve the future of this historic site.

"Other works including internal alterations at ground and first floor are minimal to maintain character of the existing listed building.

"The internal changes have been made to retain as much as structure as possible. The internal walls, ceilings and floors have no significant features. The existing mortuary has been left derelict for many years with the metalwork stripped.

"As a whole the proposed works would deliver considerable heritage benefits to the Grade II listed property by virtue of the continued use of the listed building. The proposals seek to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment of the property, improving the quality of the residential accommodation and enhancing the viability and provisions within the historic features of the whole site."