Leeds approves £70m Hilltop Works development

Domus UK can now proceed with 370 apartments across five blocks at the former leatherworks off Buslingthorpe Lane in Chapeltown.

The tallest of the buildings will rise to 10 storeys. The plans designed by Hester Architects also include new community space, a children’s play area, and undercroft and surface car parking.

Smith Jenkins Planning & Heritage advises on the project.

Recognising the heritage significance of the former leatherworks site, the prominent boundary wall along Buslingthorpe Lane will be retained and repaired along its full length. In addition, the landmark chimney stack will also be repaired and rebuilt to its original height, adding 15m to the existing structure.

Ian Layford, investment director at Domus UK, said: “We have been working with the Council and local stakeholders on the plans for Hilltop Works for over five years and we are thrilled to have achieved permission to transform this site.

“As well as over 350 new homes, these plans will respect and retain the history of the site and deliver community facilities that are so important. This will be another landmark scheme in the city and will provide a welcome boost to the Chapeltown area.”

The scheme is for 132 one-bed, 198 two-bed and 41 three-bed apartments – with 26 apartments being designated as affordable housing.