Senior councillors set to approve continued expansion of low-carbon heating network to power Leeds’ net zero ambitions

At the council’s executive board meeting at Civic Hall on Wednesday 19 November, senior councillors will consider an updated report on the achievements so far of the scheme and its continued development in the coming months and years.

The network, which has become the fastest growing heat network in the country, already supplies more than 4,000 homes and over 70 buildings across Leeds. This includes some of the council’s own estates, providing them with more affordable and lower carbon heating recovered from the city’s non-recyclable domestic waste plant.

It also connects some of the city’s landmark buildings including Leeds Playhouse, Quarry House, St James’ Hospital and the Town Hall.

As part of the newly launched Leeds Ambitions, Leeds aims to become the UK’s first net zero and nature positive city, rapidly reducing carbon emissions. These efforts will be supported by the next expansion of the PIPES network which begun in July 2025.

Next year will see the network connected to the latest apartment block in SOYO Leeds, a new development in the city’s cultural district, as well as to a new 300-apartment development on Flax Place.

Council leaders are now set to approve a renewal of the Leeds District Heating Network Local Development Order 3 (LDO3) which was put in place to simplify the implementation of the PIPES network. It gives permitted development rights to underground sections of the network along with small above ground works, but it is set to expire at the end of 2025.

A renewal will extend the LDO3 until 2035, to continue to save on lengthy full planning applications that would otherwise be required for each extension or building connection completed on the scheme.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “The Leeds PIPES district heating network is a major strategic priority for the city and supports our ambition to become the UK’s first net zero city.

“Homes in the UK are some of the least energy efficient and most reliant on costly fossil fuel gas in Europe, and too many families in our city struggle to pay their energy bills. We are committed to helping households by making our homes greener and fit for the future.”

ENDS