Leeds: Plan to replace Fearns Wharf office block with apartments

Fearns Wharf on Neptune Street could become residential accomodation

A public consultation is under way on plans to convert a former office block in Leeds into 82 new rental apartments.

The proposals for Fearns Wharf on Neptune Street would also involve building a side extension and adding an additional two storeys to the five-floor building.

Under the plans, 40 one-bedroom apartments would be created along with 25 two-bedroom dwellings and 17 three-bedroom flats.

The consultation closes on 22 March.

The application's supporting statement said the development would provide "much-needed residential development in a very sustainable location" despite a potential risk of flooding due to its proximity to the River Aire.

It claimed the requirement for office space in the area was now "extremely limited" and most buildings there were predominantly residential.

The property has been marketed since June 2022, with the majority of offers received being for residential conversion, the statement added.

Extending the building would "add additional floorspace while retaining the original character of Fearns Wharf", which according to the proposals "sits comfortably among the red brick heritage of the docks".

Another document in support of the application gave "early 2026" as a completion date for the project, based on a start date of June 2024.

The application was submitted to Leeds City Council's planning committee by Leeds-based company J M Construction.

The committee is next due to meet on 11 April.