Protection for Morley’s unique architecture and historic character was increased on Tuesday 21 January as a newly combined and enlarged conservation area and management plan was adopted.
The new conservation area will protect historic areas of Morley from harmful change and encourage high-quality new developments while also protecting trees within its boundaries. It replaces the previously separate Town Centre and Dartmouth Park conservation areas.
Morley’s town centre is dominated by dramatic nineteenth-century buildings that were a part of the town’s transformation from an agricultural village to an industrial powerhouse. Public consultation has repeatedly shown preserving the town’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, much of which is nationally recognised, is a high priority for residents and visitors.
Recognising the importance of the town’s heritage, the Morley Town Deal, funded through a £24.3 million grant from the government’s Towns Fund, commissioned Buttress Architects to create the Morley Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.
Planning for the new conservation area and management plan looked at the historical development of the town and explored what makes up its local distinctiveness and sense of place to identify ways that this special character can be looked after and protected now and in the future.
The expanded conservation now includes five areas that were previously unprotected, including:
- The Morley Hole area, Victoria Road and Asquith Avenue to include historic back-to-back and through terraces.
- St Peter’s Church area and the station approach – Church Street, Victoria Road, Springfield Road and Lane, Rooms Lane, New Bank Street and Station Road.
- The mixed residential and industrial area of the historic town including development in the area of Ackroyd Street, Peel Street, Albert Road, the northern part of Clough Street, Lewisham Park, South Parade, South Street, Melbourne Street, Gillroyd Parade and Wide Lane.
- Fountain Street, to include historic back-to-back properties, industrial buildings and the former Grammar School.
- The historic back-to-back, through terrace and villa development on Bruntcliffe Road.
Councillor Jonathon Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “It’s great news that Morley’s unique heritage and historical character is being celebrated through increasing the protections offered by a combined and enhanced conservation area and the associated appraisal and management plan.
“Morley’s two previous conservation areas were set up in the 1970s when the emphasis switched from demolishing historic buildings to conserving them. However, having two separate areas left some of Morley’s historic buildings vulnerable to unsympathetic changes.
“The updated management plan and newly combined boundaries allow us to protect more buildings of cultural and historical significance in Morley than ever before, preserving and restoring them while encouraging responsible, high-quality development in the town.”
The new conservation area was adopted following an in-person public consultation event in March 2023, online feedback, and a period of direct consultation with building and business owners.
The adoption of the new conservation area and management plan comes as the first two grants to be awarded under the Morley Town Deal’s Heritage Investment Fund were approved, signalling the start of regeneration for two properties on Queen Street.
Gerald Jennings, Morley Town Deal board chair, said: “Throughout the Town Deal consultations, the overwhelming consensus has been that the historic assets of Morley are part of what makes the town unique and that the people would like these assets enhanced and protected.
“The adoption of the new boundaries is doubly significant as it comes in the same month the first grants from the Morley Town Deal’s Heritage Investment Fund were approved for the restoration of buildings with historical significance, a significant step towards protecting Morley’s heritage for generations to come.
“Two buildings opposite Scatcherd Park will see investment, which has been partially match-funded by the building owners, totalling over £200,000. The works will see the restoration of a traditional shop front design and the re-installation of timber sash windows. There will also be repairs to the exterior stonework of the buildings and roof. When complete, the renovated buildings will release new commercial floor space and create jobs.”
