Janine GriffithsA landmark Harehills building could soon welcome students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Leeds City Council approved plans to use part of the Shine building on Harehills Road. The ground floor space will host new classrooms.
The Grade II listed property dates back to the 19th Century. Local residents will remember it as the old Harehills Middle School. The new facility will serve teenagers aged 14 to 19. It will be run by the East Leeds Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC).
Highways officers originally raised safety concerns about drop-off and pick-up times.
However, council officials noted traffic would only happen during short windows. A detailed car park plan is also in place.
A design report by the applicant said: “East SILC operates with local authority managed transport arrangements, including dedicated SEN transport services.
“This significantly limits reliance on private car travel and reduces impacts on local parking and highways.”
The scheme allows East SILC to expand its reach across the area. It gives vulnerable local young people more dedicated support.
The report added the “proposal represents a sustainable form of development, re-using existing units within the Shine building for an appropriate community purpose”.
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