Former Infant School, Methley

Working with Walker Morris, John R Paley associates have succesfully obtained planning consent for 12 new bespoke homes in Methley’s Conservation Area on the site of the former Methley Infant School.

The Leeds City Council Planning Report said:

“The design of the proposed residential development is considered to be a high quality design which is a modern interpretation of a traditional court yard style development.

The design pays particular attention to detail, with the incorporation of features and materials which reflect the surrounding historical context of the Conservation Area.

These include the use of brick heads and sills, chimney stacks, and prominent gables and coursed stone with stone heads and sills. The scheme also includes variations in height with the main houses and their garages adding interest and variety, which is also characteristic of the area.

The properties fronting onto Little Church Lane will be of brick construction to match the existing terraces along the same road. The houses along the southern section will be constructed in stone, to reflect the stone built properties at Churchside and the properties in the northern section will be rendered in appearance. As such, it is considered that the scheme will provide a link between the different areas of the Conservation Area, and will improve the overall appearance of the site, the streetscene and wider Conservation Area”.

“Although the proposed development is a departure frompolicy. in terms of representing inappropriate development in the Green Belt, it is considered that very special circumstances have been demonstrated which render the proposal acceptable. As such, with consideration to all other planning considerations, including playing pitch policy, design, highways, archaeology, landscaping and amenity, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval”

Stuart Link (Project Architect) says:

“Our approach to the design of the site is to replace the uninspiring former school buildings and the extensive areas of hard surfacing that exist at present with a development that better respects the setting and character of Methley. Following detailed discussions with Leeds City Council’s Design, Planning, Landscape and Highways Officers our proposal is a high quality development of 12 individual dwellings that enhances both the character and appearance of the conservation area and visual amenities of the green belt. A mixture of both detached and semi-detached dwellings each with in curtilage parking and garages have been designed specifically for the site and reflect the existing vernacular of Methley”.

The existing built form along Little Church Lane has been continued in our design. Once entering the development you arrive into a central courtyard area which allows a glimpse through to the large area of open space and mature tree back drop. The dwellings have been designed to maximise the views of the open space, having key rooms and windows positioned to take advantage of the open vista. It is proposed that high quality materials will be used throughout the development combined with a good level of soft landscaping.

Stephen Sadler (Head of Planning Unit at Walker Morris) said:

“I consider that the proposal is compliant with best planning practice in this regard and an example of quality in design by Stuart Link RIBA of J R Paley Architects. It strikes the correct balance between making more effective use of the site and protecting the quality of the local environment and its amenities, including the character and appearance of the Methley Church Side Conservation Area, the Green Belt and the Special Landscape Area. It is a low density scheme, which protects the landscaped context of the site and provides for a vernacular inspired design solution, which better fits the urban grain of the locality. In my view the development responds very positively to the sites opportunities and will deliver an improved place in support of the Government's, LPA's and key stakeholders objectives”