Home of Leeds' MAP Charity at risk from proposed housing development

The home of Leeds-based community arts organisation MAP Charity is under threat from a proposed housing development.

According to a report from Resident Advisor, plans for a housing development at Hope House - the home of MAP - has been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Consisting of 310 flats, the proposed development from Cheyne Capital would take over the upper floors of the Grade II listed building, with a series of balconies overlooking a courtyard area within which MAP currently runs events — including Leeds nightlife favourite Cosmic Slop.

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A petition has been launched to help protect Cosmic Slop in response to the plans, with nearly 1,700 signatures at time of publishing.

Titled "Save Cosmic Slop and MAP", the petition calls on Leeds Labour Councillor Kayleigh Brooks to give MAP a "Deed of Easement" — a contract that ensures developers must take into consideration noise from music events at Hope House, and protect the venue against complaints.

The petition also asks for the abandonment of plans to construct balconies overlooking Hope House's central courtyard, and for local councillors to take into consideration the impact developments would have on the historic building.

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While MAP operates as a charity to provide financial support and workshops to young people wanting to pursue music in the immediate area, it has been the home of Cosmic Slop since 2009; the beloved party series has played host to the likes of Four Tet, Floating Points, Theo Parrish and more.

You can read Mixmag's report on Cosmic Slop here.

Sign the petition to save Cosmic Slop here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter