Expansion of Leeds Low-Carbon Heating Network Set for Approval

Leeds Council to consider further development of district heating scheme

Senior councillors at Leeds City Council are due to discuss plans for the continued expansion of the Leeds PIPES district heating network, a low-carbon energy scheme aimed at supporting the city’s net zero ambitions. The proposal will be considered at the council’s executive board meeting on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

Current network and achievements

The Leeds PIPES network is currently the fastest growing heat network in the UK. It supplies low-carbon heating to more than 4,000 homes and over 70 buildings across the city. This includes council-owned estates, which benefit from more affordable heating recovered from the city’s non-recyclable domestic waste plant.

Notable buildings connected to the network include:

• Leeds Playhouse
• Quarry House
• St James’ Hospital
• Leeds Town Hall

Plans for further expansion

The expansion of the network began in July 2025 and is set to continue in the coming years. Next year, the network will be extended to serve new developments including:

• The latest apartment block in SOYO Leeds, located in the city’s cultural district
• A new 300-apartment development on Flax Place

Local Development Order renewal

Council leaders are expected to approve the renewal of the Leeds District Heating Network Local Development Order 3 (LDO3). This order, which currently permits certain underground and small above-ground works without full planning applications, is due to expire at the end of 2025.

The proposed renewal would extend the LDO3 until 2035, allowing the network’s expansion to proceed more efficiently by avoiding lengthy planning processes for each extension or building connection.

Council’s climate ambitions

The expansion of the district heating network forms part of Leeds’ wider environmental goals under the Leeds Ambitions programme, which aims for the city to become the UK’s first net zero and nature positive city by rapidly reducing carbon emissions.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, highlighted the importance of the network in supporting these goals. He noted that many homes in the UK are energy inefficient and rely heavily on fossil fuels, leading to high energy costs for families. The council is committed to making homes greener and more affordable through initiatives like the PIPES network.