The 33m long structure, which is more than 150 years old, is part of the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills in Farnley, which is being converted into homes as part of a £25m redevelopment. Those involved in assessing the chimney reportedly said it was “severely damaged”, cracked on four sides, and warned that the top had to be removed “for reasons of public safety”. Instead, they plan to reduce the height of the chimney by six meters to 27 meters. Leeds Civic Trust, one of several groups opposed to her removal, said the decision taken at a meeting of Leeds City Council on Thursday was “disappointing” but they “reluctantly accept” health and safety concerns may were insurmountable. Martin Hamilton, director of the trust, said: “Leeds Civic Trust supports the Stonebridge Mills scheme as a whole. The development is a nice mix of old and new. Our objection to the removal of the chimney was based on the view that all conservation options should first be considered.” He added: “We reluctantly accept that it may not be possible to overcome health and safety concerns.” Green party councilor David Blackburn said the local landmark was the “gateway” to Farnley and Wortley. “It’s part of our history that goes back almost 200 years and we’ve lost too many of the old landmarks in this area,” he added. Conservative councilor Trish Smith said that while she accepted the safety needs of the works, they “deserved to be kept intact for future generations”. He said: “Victorians weren’t always built to exacting standards and they weren’t all elaborate. However, this was a real landmark in the area and it is a shame that an engineering solution could not be found to preserve this important piece of heritage.” Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST The chief planner’s report said the plans “seek to preserve the chimney whilst implementing structural safety works to ensure its long-term viability whilst preventing risk to the general public”. He added: “It is recognized that the proposal includes alterations to the chimney and so creates a degree of harm to the listed building environment by reducing its overall height.” The Guardian has contacted Leeds City Council for comment.
