Plans for a grade II-listed building in Woodhouse to be turned into student accommodation have been approved.
Ah yes, just what we needed...more student accommodation.
Springfield House, a stunning 18th Century manor house in Woodhouse, is to be transformed to house 334 students.
Plans include demolishing existing wings to make way for two new ones that will range from four to 13 storeys, both sitting on either side of Springfield House, with a taller extension at one end.
The proposal will now go to the council's chief planning officer, then to the government for final approval.
Image: Leeds City Council
Historic England and other heritage groups have objected due to concerns over its impact on a conservation area and stated concerns over the extension being "taller than the listed building and will dominate it in terms of scale".
Other objections included Leeds Civic Trust and Little Woodhouse Community Association, who flagged concerns about noise, traffic issues and a loss of privacy.
Nearby pub venue the Faversham also objected, saying the flats would overlook wedding receptions in its grounds.
Steven Allison, who runs the venue, told the council's plans panel: "This is a serious threat to our business. The impact from that intrusiveness is going to be disastrous, we believe."
However, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council planning officers said they did not believe there was a negative impact on the neighbouring site.
Springfield House was built in 1792 by the cloth-dresser Thomas Livesey on a field called Well Close and from 1865 it was owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese, which built a seminary on the site that was knocked down in 1971.
Because of Historic England's statutory objection, the scheme has been referred to the Secretary of State for final approval.
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Clementine Hall -
20th May 2024 
