Plans to restrict the number of off licences selling alcohol in Armley Town Street will be discussed by Leeds councillors next week.
As previously reported by The Dispatch, plans have been drawn up to introduce what’s called a Cumulative Impact Plan for the Armley Town Street area, which would limit the number of shops in the area allowed to sell booze. The plan would also make it more difficult for fresh licence applications to get the go ahead.
Town Street has been blighted with problems connected with anti-social behaviour, crime and street drinking, much of it connected to the availability of strong, cheap alcohol.
There have been four new applications for off licences so far this year.
Members of the council’s licensing committee will next Tuesday decide whether to give the go ahead for the new policy. Read the report to be considered by councillors here.
If the go ahead is given, more detailed work can start to pull together the details and consult local residents.
The Cumulative Impact Policy is the latest in a series of positive moves to reclaim Armley Town Street and make it a more attractive place to shop.
Following a public consultation carried out by Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves over the summer, two public meetings revealed the depth of concern surrounding issues on Town Street. The meetings led to court orders being issued to ban some street drinkers from the area.
A new group, called All Together Armley, which is made up of local residents, groups and businesses, as well as local councillors, is already drawing up plans to give the area a new lease of life. Plans include a street market, performance area and setting up an Armley in Bloom Group.
The Dispatch reported in October on the rise of off-licences in LS12.
See below for our infographic on the facts and figures: