RAAC issues trigger Mount St Joseph’s redevelopment
Proposals for the replacement of the care home and convent in Headingley have been lodged with Leeds City Council.
Mount St Joseph’s Home consists of a purpose-built registered care home and convent, constructed around 1970, situated in grounds of 9.4 acres.
The site is owned and operated by The Congregation of The Little Sisters of the Poor (English Province), a registered charity, with an established track record in providing sheltered accommodation for the elderly poor.
There is a resident congregation of between eight and 10 Sisters in fulfilment of their mission within the City. The existing premises at Mount St Josephs provide independent living for up to 46 residents, with 100 staff split 60% full time and 40% part time.
As set out by advisor PJ Planning, problems have arisen over RAAC – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – something that is also causing severe issues in buildings such as hospitals.
“Significant defects” are present at the site, and thus the decision has been made to close Mount St Joseph’s Home.
As it stands, the complex comprises a series of interconnected blocks, over two to four stories, incorporating uses including a chapel, assembly hall, offices, occupational therapy spaces, medical facilities, a library, kitchen, dining area, laundry room, and visitor accommodation.
The Shire Oak Road site slopes by 11m between the northern and southern boundaries.
Advised by PJ along with DHA Architects, the applicant has put forward plans that see the site divided into two plots:
- Plot A: demolition of existing buildings and construction of new chapel, convent, and sheltered housing, with associated parking and landscaping
- Plot B: demolition of existing buildings and construction of new apartment building, with associated parking and landscaping.
Within Plot A ,it is proposed that the Sisters will work with Catholic Care or a similar agency to create a development including independent living apartments, convent and 60-capacity chapel. This will include 25 sheltered living flats, and two two-person guest visitor suites. There will also be “hub facilities” such as bistro and lounges.
Plot B will fund the development, and will comprise a 46-home apartment scheme, made up of 11 three-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments, and four one-beds. A total of 62 car parking paces are to be provided to the south of the site, accessed from Shire Oak Road.
For planning purposes, Leeds City Council has confirmed in pre-application discussions that the site is considered brownfield.
The plans have now been validated on LCC’s planning portal, with the reference 25/00883/FU.
Serious RAAC issues mean a new-build is required. Credit: planning documents
