Highland Pub, Central Leeds
Application to demolish the Highland Pub, just off Burley Street, Leeds
Its been a few months since there has been any imminent threat to a historically important building in West Yorkshire, but a sad return to business as usual comes in the form of the proposed demolition of The Highland, to be replaced by 14 flats.
The pub is still thriving and has by various accounts undergone something of a renaissance lately.
A curious building that has survived the comprehensive demolition of this area to find itself bravely ensconced as a wedge between the high rises and the concrete monoliths of central Leeds. Stone setts still surround the building making this oasis look like a fissure in space-time.
Such a narrow plot shouldn’t be viable for development – only suitable for a Victorian pub, yet somehow it has caught the attention of a speculator. Couldn’t you develop the surface car park 5m to the right?
This highlights yet again a flaw in the planning system; no conservation area or listing status means that the council’s hands are tied. The only reprieve would be to deny permission on other grounds relating to design and hope the owner backs down and keeps the pub serving. Apparently its great in there. Check it out before it is no more.
The Demolition Register 