LS5 PROJECT PREPARATION BRIEF
Replanning a Kirkstall or Hawksworth home

Prepared by ATR Developments Limited. You can use this with your designer or builder.
These are preparation prompts, not a property survey or a permissions decision.

Project address: ______________________________
Proposed work: ________________________________
Intended use / occupation: ____________________

A family layout change in Kirkstall or Hawksworth may involve joining rooms, moving a kitchen or adding space at the rear. Decide which problem the project must solve first: more daylight, a larger living area or extra bedrooms. Each leads to different structural and service questions.

DECISIONS TO RESOLVE

1. Compare an opening with an extension
Sketch both options before choosing one. A larger opening in an existing wall may change the structure and service routes; an extension also changes the roof, drainage and external access requirements.
[ ] Gather: Existing room dimensions and two alternative layout sketches.
Notes: ________________________________________

2. Resolve shared-house intentions early
If the proposal includes changing a family home to shared occupation, check the Leeds HMO planning information for the address. Do not treat the extension design and the intended use as one interchangeable approval.
[ ] Gather: A clear statement of the intended household and number of occupants.
Notes: ________________________________________

ADDRESS CHECKS
[ ] Confirm the authority using the full address: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
[ ] Establish applicable permissions with the relevant authority and advisers.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Local maps & character documents
Selected links from the council’s directory. Use the named area and boundary to check relevance to your property; these documents do not apply to the whole postcode.
Kirkstall Abbey: area map (PDF 651KB): https://www.leeds.gov.uk/sites/default/files/files-imported/6007ca58e03facda4ccb03e909b31eb6350a45854e4ce790831ba804f099b4e5.pdf

Leeds City Council
Find earlier decisions and check the relevant conservation boundary for your address.
Planning history: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/planning/planning-permission/view-and-comment-on-planning-applications
Conservation maps & appraisals: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/planning/conservation-protection-and-heritage/conservation-area

Leeds HMO planning checks
Check the proposed use and address. Planning and licensing are separate processes; an existing letting is not proof of either.
HMO planning guidance: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/planning/planning-permission/houses-in-multiple-occupation-planning-permission
Article 4 direction & map: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-and-guidance/houses-in-multiple-occupation-article-4-direction

Resource review: 2026-10-16
No project cost, permission or availability is confirmed by this checklist.