SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-le ... 92317Leeds City Council has been accused by one of its councillors of neglecting old buildings in its possession.Labour's John Illingworth said around 30 council-owned buildings had been allowed to fall into disrepair. Mr Illingworth said the Labour-controlled council should have sold the buildings to provide much-needed funds.But a Leeds City Council spokeswoman said the sale of surplus property had raised £400m in the past 20 years, all of which was re-invested.Councillor Illingworth said there was roughly one council-owned building in each ward which was suffering from neglect."It makes me weep. I have watched good buildings go to wrack and ruin," he said.He said examples of neglected buildings included Elmete Hall near Roundhay Park and Abbey Mills in Kirkstall.Mr Illingworth said the council had missed out on "an awful lot of money" by failing to sell unwanted properties before they fell into disrepair."They often have to be sold off for a fraction of their original value, with permission to demolish them," he said.But a Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: "We are very proactive in marketing such properties."We sell them through a variety of means - for example by private treaty and auctions, development competitions and various partnerships. "There are some buildings which are notoriously difficult to sell which invariably do stay on our 'void' list for some time."The council blamed the downturn in the economy for the time it was taking to sell some buildings in its possession.

Elmete Hall has been renovated and is now used as offices.http://www.flickr.com/photos/ikbrunels/ ... tream/Well worth seeing.    

Brunel wrote: Elmete Hall has been renovated and is now used as offices.http://www.flickr.com/photos/ikbrunels/ ... tream/Well worth seeing.     Wonderful to see at least one such building being brought back to life - a shame the rest are left to decay so far before being passed to a viable developer - or left so long the only practical route being demolition. I still don't understand how the owners and authorities can get away with this, but perhaps those charged with their protection only have teeth to demand the required money be spent once someone actually starts to do something. Such a lacking in the legislation surrounding the protection of the heritage is rather more than an oversight.

Perhaps the problem with regard to the council buildings being left to rot is that the council are both "offender" and "policeman" when it comes to taking any action?

raveydavey wrote: Perhaps the problem with regard to the council buildings being left to rot is that the council are both "offender" and "policeman" when it comes to taking any action? Quite so perhaps Davey but, it does seem there is little or no obligation to preserve - only to ensure that anything which is done is as would be requires

This old house in LEEDS, standing within a conservation area was subject to a "partial demolition" planning application by property developers.This is the result. Partial demolition...????    

Brunel wrote: This old house in LEEDS, standing within a conservation area was subject to a "partial demolition" planning application by property developers.This is the result. Partial demolition...????     I know the whole thing is a facade.....I'll get my coat....

Apologies if posted elsewhere but just driven past the old cloth hall on kirgate and it's gone! Just a big hole in the ground. I thought it had been saved?

simonm wrote: Apologies if posted elsewhere but just driven past the old cloth hall on kirgate and it's gone! Just a big hole in the ground. I thought it had been saved? Have a good look round the Skulls thread and others for posts and lots of pics during the last few months simon

This message is moved here to an existing thread rather than have a new one of similar interest:Rugby League MadUser location: Joined on: 10-Jan-2013 11:41:12Posted: 2 posts # Posted on: 23-Jan-2013 17:33:26.    Edit | Quote Out running around Roundhay Park the other day we got through the boundary fence and came upon this fine place. To the left of the hall was a really old brick wall and some steps. To the right of the hall was a rather ornate looking sort of drain cover.Also an overgrown rugby and football pitch presumably belonging to a now defunct or demolished school. Whats happening with the place anyone know please ??     See also: http://www.secretleeds.co.uk/forum/Mess ... ighLight=1