Roof terrace could enhance chapel - designers

Mill Hill Chapel was founded in 1674 and is Grade II* listed

A roof terrace at Trinity Leeds shopping centre would offer unique views of a 17th Century chapel, it is claimed.

Designers said the plans, which are being considered by Leeds City Council, would "enhance the setting" of the Grade II* listed Mill Hill Chapel.

In 2014, the chapel hosted the city's first same-sex church wedding.

From 1767 to 1773, it was led by Joseph Priestley – a minister and chemist credited with discovering oxygen.

According to the planning application, the development would build on the success of Trinity Kitchen, which has no external seating areas.

Parts of Trinity Leeds are unoccupied and Boots had decided to downsize, leaving empty space, the report noted.

'Heritage merit'

Pre-application meetings were held between the council and Leeds Civic Trust, a voluntary organisation that campaigns on the planning and development of the city.

Planning consultancy Quod said: “The proposals have considerable design and heritage merit, which will benefit the historic setting compared to the existing situation.

“The architectural style of the walls to the new roof terrace should be calm and simple to not draw attention and disrupt the setting of the listed chapel.”

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