The long-running ITV soap Emmerdale is seeking to secure a permanent future for its iconic village set in Leeds. ITV Studios has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council, requesting indefinite permission to continue filming at the Harewood farm site, which has served as the fictional village since 1997. This move aims to solidify the production's base beyond the current planning consent, which is set to lapse in June 2027.
The current permission stipulated that the site, encompassing recognisable landmarks such as the Woolpack pub and Burden Head Farm, would need to be restored to its original condition within six months of the expiry date. Securing permanent consent would prevent this requirement and allow the production to maintain its established filming location without interruption.
According to a planning report, the Emmerdale Village Production Set is crucial for the show's output, providing a diverse range of exterior views for more than 260 episodes each year. The report highlighted the set's adaptability, noting its ability to accommodate planned storyline changes, as well as immediate adjustments necessitated by weather conditions, cast availability, or other scheduling challenges inherent in television production.
ITV has emphasised the necessity of the Harewood set for authentically portraying farming life and the distinctive Yorkshire countryside, which are central to the soap's identity. While interior and exterior scenes are filmed at the Harewood site, some indoor sets, including parts of the Woolpack, utilise dedicated studio space on Kirkstall Road.
The purpose-built Emmerdale Village was designed to replicate a typical rural community, featuring essential elements such as a village hall, a café, a church, and various residential dwellings. The application underscores the importance of this comprehensive set to the ongoing success and authenticity of the popular drama.
The full planning application is currently open for public consultation, with submissions being accepted until 13 August 2026. The council's decision will determine the long-term future of the village set, which has become a significant landmark for fans and a vital operational hub for one of the UK's most beloved television programmes.