The makers of Emmerdale have applied for permission to continue filming at the show’s famous Yorkshire village on a permanent basis.
ITV Studios has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council to retain its production set at Harewood, where the long-running ITV soap has been based since 1997.
The current planning permission for the site, which includes the iconic Woolpack pub and Burden Head Farm, expires on June 3, 2027. If approved, the new application would allow the set to remain in use indefinitely.
Planning documents submitted to the council state that the village is used to film more than 260 episodes each year and provides a flexible production space capable of adapting to changing storylines, weather conditions, cast availability and scheduling demands.
The application says: “The Emmerdale Village Production Set provides a facility which adapts to the ever-changing needs of production. These could be planned changes for certain storylines or even immediate changes due to weather conditions, cast availability or other scheduling challenges.”
ITV said the continued use of the Harewood site is essential for portraying farming life and the Yorkshire countryside, which remain central to the programme.
While exterior and some interior scenes are filmed at the village set, additional indoor scenes are produced at ITV’s studios on Kirkstall Road, including sets such as the interior of the Woolpack.
Planning documents describe the purpose-built village as a realistic rural community featuring a village hall, church, café, residential properties and other familiar landmarks.
The report states: “The Emmerdale Village was designed to include everything a typical rural village would have, including a village hall, café, church, residential dwellings and more.
“The Emmerdale Village Production Set gives ITV Studios the unique ability to present stories that reflect a rural community, which is unique in UK television continuing drama as the other shows are urban in context.”
Under the existing permission, the site would have to be restored to its original condition within six months of filming ending. However, ITV argues that retaining the existing set represents a more sustainable approach.
The planning report adds: “Consent is therefore sought to extend operations on-site on a permanent basis. The continued use of the site represents a sustainable approach to production, retaining and reusing the existing set, buildings and infrastructure.”
The application is open for public consultation until August 13, after which Leeds City Council will determine whether the long-running soap can continue filming at the iconic village permanently.
