A developer has withdrawn plans to demolish West Leeds Sports and Social Club in Armley.
Developers West Leeds Working Mens Club wanted to replace the club building with a terrace of ten flat-roofed houses on the Redshaw Road site.
But planning policy officers at Leeds City Council expressed concerns over the loss of a community building, which is understood to be used by West Leeds Rugby Club for regular events in non-Covid-19 times.
The club also stores equipment in the building and temporary containers on the site and use the hardstanding for parking. The social club is open for events to members of the public.
Council planning officer Sarah Hellewell wrote in a report:
“The proposal as submitted is not considered acceptable as there is very limited information and no evidence regarding the justification of the loss of the community facility and the wider long-term implications on the adjoining community uses that have a link with the present use of the site.
“It is understood that the community uses provides well used facilities for the local community and this loss is not supported. Further information and evidence is required to be submitted by the applicant beyond what is provided in their design statement.”
In a planning statement submitted to Leeds City Council, the developers said the building ‘risks being left empty for some time’ and added:
“The scheme includes the provision of 10 new build terraced houses and demolition of the existing working men’s club, which is now a completely redundant building with little other alternative use due to the current economic climate.
“The site represents an excellent opportunity to develop in a sustainable location re-utilising an existing site, which historically was residential houses, in accordance with both local and national planning policy guidance and published documents.”
The plans can be viewed in full here.
WLD previously reported on a public consultation with neighbours earlier this summer and reported on the submission of the plans last October.