By John Baron
Plans to demolish the former Infinity Metals office building in Stanningley have been approved to Leeds City Council.
The demolition of the two-storey building would help unlock the redevelopment of the western part of the site, which last year received approval to become a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant.
McDonald’s submitted revised plans for the restaurant in April, which included changes to the car park layout and the boundaries of the site. Those proposals are currently being considered by the council.
As previously reported, a covering letter was submitted with the demolition proposal on behalf of applicants McDonald’s Restaurants and landowner Roger Brewster.
It said: “Through discussions with Leeds City Council, it has been agreed that a dropped kerb and reinforced crossing be provided on the eastern side of the spine road, to ensure access/egress is provided to the adjacent land uses to the east.
“This building occupies the land required to accommodate this crossing and therefore needs to be demolished before the redevelopment can proceed.
A council report approving the proposals said the expected date for the works is not yet confirmed however the duration of demolition is to take three to four weeks. The demolition will occur between the hours of 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am and 6pm Saturday if required.
“The proposed demolition will remove a vacant building that does not contribute positively to the site or its surroundings. Its removal will enable the regeneration of this brownfield site, delivering economic and environmental benefits. This includes the creation of approximately 90 new jobs and improvements to the site’s appearance and surroundings.”
Housing plans
WLD last week revealed Northern property developer Breck Homes has completed the unconditional purchase part of the Infinity Metals site next to the proposed McDonald’s development. It’s proposed that 43 new affordable homes will be built, with a public consultation planned.
The new proposal occupies part of the same site which received outline planning permission for 40 homes from developer Redstart Robinson in February 2025. WLD understands those plans are no longer moving forward.
The site has been vacant since 2023.
Would anyone have any idea how the claim to create 90 jobs be explained. ……and depressing that yet another industrial site being replaced by the “service sector”