Leeds Council gains authority to mandate repairs for damaged buildings

A local council has received authorization to compel the owners of compromised buildings on one of Leeds’ most historic streets to carry out necessary repairs. Leeds City Council had submitted an application to the government for an urgent works notice (UWN), a measure that would require the proprietors of the affected properties on Lower Kirkgate to rectify their condition. On 12 April, a partial collapse occurred at 85 Kirkgate, one of the structures, resulting in the road being closed to traffic ever since. The government recently informed the local authority that its application was successful, and the urgent works notice was served to City Fusion, the owner, on Wednesday. Under the terms of the UWN, if the owner fails to initiate a repair program within 28 days, the council is empowered to intervene and ensure the buildings are made safe. The local authority can then seek to recover the cost of these repairs from the owner, an amount estimated at £700,000. In addition to the partial collapse at 85 Kirkgate, fires have also taken place at 101, 86, and 87 Kirkgate. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, commented: “We recognise the situation on Lower Kirkgate has proved frustrating for local businesses and residents and we have been determined to find a solution.” He further stated: “It’s really encouraging news that we have been able to serve the UWN – I would once again like to thank people living and working in the area for the patience they have shown over recent months.” Martin Hamilton, representing Leeds Civic Trust, characterized the news as “welcome news” but criticized the initial necessity for government approval. He remarked: “It does seem wrong that a city the size of Leeds is not allowed to make these decisions locally and that it took central government more than four months to approve these measures,” Hamilton concluded: “We have raised these concerns with the local MP and will be writing to the minster suggesting that these decisions should in future be taken at a local level.”