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Armley: Green light for new Military Preparation College

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Carlton Trading Estate, off Pickering Street, Armley. Photo: Google

By John Baron

Plans to open a Military Preparation College on an Armley trading estate have been approved by Leeds City Council planners.

Applicant Michael Ronan, from education provider Learning Curve Group, has been granted approval to open the Military Preparation College (MPCT) in units 9 and 9A of the Carlton Trading Estate in Pickering Street.

The vacant units had previously been used by a distribution company. The new college would be open 8.30am-5pm weekdays, employ three full-time staff and attract up to 60 students between 16 to 19 years old.

A statement submitted with the planning application said: “MPCT delivers vocational training and education for young people aged 16 to 19 focusing on employability, fitness, and military preparation. 

“This provision addresses skills gaps, reduces youth unemployment, and supports Leeds economic strategy.”

MPCT says is will reduce the number of young NEET young people Not in Education, Education or Training), and will engage with hard-to-reach learners, as well as providing a pipeline of skilled candidates to the Armed Forces and local employers.

A planning officer’s report approving the application stated: “The site would be well-located within an existing industrial/commercial setting with no residential accommodation to be affected.

“It would have a neutral impact on visual amenity as it does not propose to alter the appearance of the site. It appears that the scheme would be compliant with relevant policies on amenity.”

The plans to change the use of a former industrial unit to a training and education academy can be viewed in full here.

WLD first reported the plans in August.

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Fascinating objects at Farsley Lit Fest

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Sally Coulthard presented fascinating artifacts from the countryside at Farsley Lit Fest. Photo: Jan Calvert

By Jan Calvert

Born in West Leeds, best-selling author and archeologist Sally Coulthard presented fascinating artifacts from the countryside as described in her book ‘A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects.’

The event took place earlier this week at Truman’s Books as part of the Farsley Literarature Festival.

Sally said: “Everything has a story! These ancestral objects tell a hidden history of our
countryside.”

She described how any curious person may hold an object and ask it questions – who made you? Why? What is your purpose? Were you treasured or discarded?

Among the objects displayed were ‘Chicken googles’ – tiny spectacles which clip on to the bridge above the beak of a chicken. They were invented when factory farming in the 1930s led to the need to protect the eyes from pecking. Now, a rare object as debeaking was the cheaper option!

Knitting was a real economic sideline for many rural workers who could multi-task if a knitting needle was secured within a wooden sheath fastened to their belt. A collectable item, the wooden ‘Knitting Sheaths’ were carved and decorated with protective symbols or often given as a love token.

Object No 77 in Sally’s book is a ‘Bird Scarer’. The wooden rattle tells of rural child labour.
Sally’s research led her to George Edward, a Liberal MP in the 1850’s.

At six years old, he worked in the newly sown fields for 12 to 14 hours a day, swinging the wooden rattle to ward off birds.

Sally said: “The objects reveal the often invisible and untold history of the ordinary person in a rural setting.”

Her books explore fascinating insights into natural history and folklore. For further details,
see Sally’s website.

Fantastic Farsley Lit Fest continues this week with something for all the family, including An
evening of Gothic Horror, Horrible Histories with Terry Deary and a full day of author
workshops for families on Children’s Day.

For more information, visit Farsley Lit Fest’s website.

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West Leeds planning applications: 26 October 2025

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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the seven council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days.

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Horsforth Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

    Calverley & Farsley Ward

    Farnley & Wortley Ward

    Horsforth Ward

    Kirkstall Ward

      Pudsey Ward

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      Challenge to Leeds children’s centres closure plan

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      westleedslife
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      Leeds Civic Hall.

      By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

      Council leaders could be asked to reconsider their decision to close 18 children’s centres in the city.

      Opposition councillors have launched a formal challenge to a reduction in the number of centres to save Leeds City Council £2.45m.

      The council’s executive board decided to press ahead with a re-organisation of family services at a meeting on October 15.

      The council, which must save more than £100m this financial year, said some centres were underused because of a falling birth rate.

      Children’s centres facing closure in West Leeds include Burley Park, Farnley, Farsley and Pudsey. 

      Historic centres in Hollybush and Kirkstall – where services are not currently provided – would also be among a further six across the city to be de-registered.

      The council would continue to provide centralised services at 31 children’s centres to maintain a universal and citywide offer of support for families. In West Leeds these would be at Armley Moor, Bramley, Little London, Horsforth, Swinnow and Hawksworth Wood.

      Leeds would still have 31 children’s centres, more than other comparable cities, the council said.

      But concerns were raised over the evidence used to justify the closure plan.

      Now a “call-in” of the decision will be debated by the council’s children and families Scrutiny Board on November 4.

      Led by councillor Mark Dobson, of Garforth and Swillington Independents, the call-in request said: “If consultations are to serve any purpose, it must be to inform the decision makers. This has not happened on this occasion.”

      The councillors said the consultation and professional advice put to executive board was “inadequate”.

      It was not clear how alternative provision would be found, or how the cost savings would be achieved, they said.

      Their request said: “The clarity of the aims and desired outcomes remains unclear.”

      The children’s centres review included plans to de-register six centres not currently in use, and provide more online services.

      The council has said the shake-up was based on a detailed assessment of families’ needs.

      At the scrutiny meeting, councillors could decide to refer the closure decision for re-consideration, or release it for implementation.

      A report to the meeting said: “The call-in process provides the facility for the Scrutiny Board to require a decision taker to reconsider a decision within a specified period.”

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      Appeal launched to back Farsley Christmas lights switch on

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      westleedslife
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      Crowds packed Farsley Town Street for the big switch on in 2022. Photo: Joanne Haigh

      A £2,000 appeal has been launched to raise money towards this year’s annual Farsley Christmas light switch on.

      The community crowdfunder has been launched by Farsley Business Forum ahead of the event on Wednesday, 26 November.

      A spokesperson said: “There is very little funding for this free event so we are asking local businesses and individuals who attend to donate, so that it may take place. Donations will go towards costs such as road closures, safety, security and entertainment.”

      Donations can be made here and donation boxes are also available of Jaspers, Homeconomy, Jem Hair, the chemist and Gem T.

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      Leeds Bradford Airport reopens after emergency runway repairs

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      westleedslife
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      Leeds Bradford Airport. Picture from Google Maps

      by Harry Ward

      Leeds Bradford Airport has reopened after an overnight closure caused by what officials described as ‘unforeseen runway issues’.

      The airport suspended all flights at 12.40am, halting arrivals and departures for more than five hours. Engineers were called in to carry out repair work on the runway.

      In an update issued at 4am, the airport said repairs had been completed and that operations were expected to resume from 6am. The runway reopened on schedule, with early-morning services operating but some residual delays.

      Some inbound flights were diverted during the closure, with passengers facing disruption through the night. The airport apologised for the inconvenience and advised travellers to check with their airlines for the latest information.

      In a statement, the airport said: “The safety and comfort of passengers travelling through our terminal is our number one priority. Our team has been on the ground in the terminal to answer any customer queries regarding departures.”

      Normal operations resumed by 6am, though the airport warned that delays and knock-on effects might continue into the morning.

      Leeds Bradford added that anyone who missed lounge, fast-track or parking bookings during the closure would be offered cancellations or refunds.

      The airport handles more than four million passengers a year and rarely shuts its runway outside of extreme weather or safety inspections.

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      Planning inspector refuses Horsforth housing appeal

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      By John Baron

      An independent planning inspector has refused an appeal to overturn Leeds City Council’s decision to reject plans for housing in Horsforth.

      The application, by Mr W Machell, was for nine dwellings and access at disused land near Wood Lane and Cragg Hill Farm.

      The most recent application was submitted last May and was subsequently refused by Leeds City Council in July. The developer then launched an appeal against the refusal decision. 

      The plans had been opposed by local residents, Horsforth Town Council and Horsforth’s city councillors, who labelled the proposals ‘wholly unsuitable‘.

      Concerns included the suitability of Wood Lane to handle additional traffic and a ‘significant harm’ the houses could cause to the character of a conservation area.

      In a report issued this week, planning inspector KA Taylor concluded: “It is understood that the appellant has gone some way to address concerns and observations throughout the process.

      “However, having considered the appeal scheme, it would be unacceptable on biodiversity, highway safety and would cause harm to protected species, trees and designated heritage assets which overall attract significant weight against the grant of planning permission.

      “I recognise that the appeal scheme would have benefits with regard to the supply of housing in the borough, [and] the contribution both construction opportunities and any future occupiers would make to the local economy.

      “However, these benefits would be limited due to the quantum of development proposed and do not outweigh the policy conflicts and harm.

      “The proposed development would be contrary to the development plan and the Framework, taken as a whole.”

      The planning inspector’s decision can be read in full here.

      • The Cragg Hill and Woodside Residents’ Group is holding its AGM tonight (Friday, 24 October) at Cragg Hill Baptist Church. Topics include the future of the site.

      The group was formed in 2009 to protect and enhance the buildings and green spaces within and around the Cragg Hill and Woodside Conservation Area.

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      Pudsey: Robin Lane team put best feet forward for Children in Need

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      westleedslife
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      The Robin Lane Surgery team in Pudsey Park yesterday.

      Staff from a Pudsey GP surgery are walking the equivalent of Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

      Over 25 days staff at Robin Lane Surgery are aiming to clock up 1,750,000 steps over 25 days as part of the national Challenge 25 campaign.

      Robin Lane GP partner Jodi Clarke said: “Right now, too many children across the UK are facing life’s toughest moments alone. Many are living in poverty, facing mental health struggles, grief, disability, or growing up in communities impacted by violence. Every child deserves someone who shows up for them. 

      “Your donations will fund local people and projects across the UK that provide vital support to children and young people when they need it most. No child has to face life’s toughest moments alone.”

      The team’s last day will also be celebrating DJ Sara Cox’s arrival in Pudsey after completing her five marathons in five days.

      More information and donations can be found on the JustGiving page.

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      Councillors ‘disappointed’ over Stanningley McDonald’s approval

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      westleedslife
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      The proposed McDonald's site in Stanningley. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

      Bramley & Stanningley’s ward councillors have said they are ‘disappointed with the decision’ to approve plans for a drive-thru McDonald’s restaurant in Stanningley.

      WLD reported yesterday that plans for a new drive thru McDonald’s restaurant off Stanningley Town Street were approved in principle by members of the council’s south and west plans panel.

      Around 85 new full and part-time jobs will be created at the restaurant, which will open daily from 6am-11pm.

      Local views on the development appeared to be split, with 56 letters in support, and 57 objecting.

      A banner was put up in March opposing the proposals, but was later removed. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

      Posting their reaction on Facebook, Bramley & Stanningley’s Labour Councillors Tom Hinchcliffe, Adele Rae and Kevin Ritchie reiterated their concerns over the impact on public health.

      “We’re disappointed that, following the meeting of the plans panel, the proposed McDonald’s in Stanningley has been approved,” they said.

      “As residents may know, all three local councillors objected to this proposal. We believe that the impact on public health, its proximity to local schools and parks, and the impact on traffic will have negative consequences for local residents.

      “The plans panel is made up of councillors from across Leeds. As we are the local councillors from the ward that the application is situated in and we do not sit on this plans panel, we do not get a vote, and could only object the same way that local residents can.”

      The councillors said they were pleased to achieve some concessions. These included:

      • McDonald’s will be made to enforce a localised employment plan to ensure local people are employed at the restaurant.
      • Leeds City Council will monitor the amount of litter and the efficacy of the McDonald’s litter picking promises within a 115 metre radius.
      • Opening hours will be reduced from 6am until 11pm.
      • Improving the public right of way.
      • Adding a footpath down the side of the McDonald’s.

      They added: “We are disappointed with this decision but will continue to work with local residents to ensure their voice is heard.

      “We are seeking a meeting with McDonald’s to discuss employment opportunities for local people and the provisions on traffic management as set out in the planning decision today, as well as to urge them to take steps to prevent antisocial behaviour.

      “Finally, we’d like to thank local residents who objected to this proposal alongside us. We were proud to represent your voices today.”

      Posting on social media after the decision, south and west plans panel chair Cllr Paul Wray (Lab, Hunslet) said: “Today’s application for a McDonald’s… was quite a difficult one to determine, with complicated arguments for and against the officer recommendation, all being weight against the legal framework set out by national and local planning policy.

      “The vote at the end was split, and across party lines, showing that members of the panel, on a finely balanced application, took time to consider their position and come to an individual judgment.”

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      Horsforth pub closes for six-figure refurbishment

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      Refurbishment: The Horsforth

      Family-friendly pub The Horsforth is set to reopen later this autumn with a fresh new look and feel following a six-figure investment.

      The Greene King pub on Featherbank Lane, also known as ‘The Friendly’ amongst locals, will temporarily close to the public from Monday, 27 October while the renovations take place, with the upgraded venue set to reopen its doors in November.

      The investment will include enhancements to the pub’s interior, with an upgraded bar and restaurant layout, new décor and fully refurbished toilets.

      Following the renovations, the pub will also showcase an improved sports offering with the creation of a new sports zone, as well as the installation of updated TV systems throughout the venue.

      The Horsforth’s exterior will be improved to boost kerb appeal, with the beer garden set to receive new lighting, furniture and the expansion of outdoor seating to provide guests with even more space to unwind and enjoy an alfresco meal or drink throughout the year. 

      A spokesperson said: “The pub will remain a popular hub for the local community, with best-in-class sports viewing, and good value food and drinks to suit to all occasions, whether customers are stopping by for a quick drink, watching live matches or enjoying a special meal out.”

      For bookings, opening times and more information, please visit The Horsforth’s website.

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      Major apartments and housing plan for former Lloyds Data Centre site

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      By John Baron

      Plans to demolish the former Lloyds Data Centre at Dawsons Corner and build a mix of 133 apartments and houses have been submitted to Leeds City Council.

      Applicants Breck Homes Limited and Bank of Scotland are proposing a mix of 58 one and two-bed apartments and 35 two, three and four-bed houses at the site off Cote Lane, Farsley.

      The three apartment buildings will be three storeys high.

      The move is part of a wider plan from Lloyds to increase the supply of affordable homes in the UK.

      A planning statement submitted with the application said that 32% of properties will be family sized.

      It concludes: “The development accords with all relevant local and national planning policy, delivers significant public benefits and represents sustainable development in social, economic and environmental terms.

      “On this basis, the planning application should be granted without delay.”

      Councillors’ reaction

      Councillors Craig Timmins and Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said: “We welcome this proposed development in principle, as it would bring a large number of affordable social rent housing and shared ownership housing to our area that is very much needed, and that it is being proposed on previously developed Brownfield Land.

      “We have engaged at every step with the developer, so that we get the most out of it for our community, seeking improvements in terms of greenspace, children’s play provision and the streetscape.

      “There will of course be further detail to discuss about the layout and scale of the development as we go through the planning system.

      “We are encouraged that the developer consulted with local residents about their proposal early on, have made changes following our requests, and they have agreed with our suggestion to hold a further in person public consultation with the ability for residents to also email their views.

      “This development sits in addition to the proposed Richmond House scheme, and we do therefore share residents’ concerns around local infrastructure, in particular congestion locally and access to important services such as doctors and dentists.

      “As part of the recent local plan consultation, we asked for a masterplan to be put together for the entire Dawsons Corner area, to ensure that all nearby proposed developments can be considered in a round, and local infrastructure can be taken into account as part of this.

      “We encourage residents to comment on the planning application, and we would ask as many as possible give feedback on the promised public consultation from the developer.”

      Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) raised a number of concerns, saying the development would ‘pile ever more pressures on our local community’.

      He said: “Obviously there is cause for all sorts of concerns, not least serious traffic issues, housing density, pressure on local services, piling ever more pressures on our local community.

      “We cannot accept anything just dumped on us.”

      Lloyds left its Pudsey office in 2020.

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      Green light for Stanningley McDonald’s drive thru plans

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      westleedslife
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      The proposed McDonald's site in Stanningley. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

      By John Baron

      Plans for a new drive thru McDonald’s restaurant in Stanningley have today been approved in principle by councillors.

      Proposals include a new restaurant building, external seating and parking, alongside new vehicular access off Town Street, which would be shared with a previously approved residential development for 40 homes on the eastern part of the site.

      Around 85 new full and part-time jobs will be created at the restaurant, which will open daily from 6am-11pm.

      Councillor Kevin Ritchie (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) spoke against the application at today’s south and west plans panel meeting in Leeds Civic Hall.

      He raised issues regarding highways safety, the location of a proposed pedestrian crossing and increased traffic on an already busy road.

      Cllr Ritchie also raised concerns over rising obesity levels caused by the supply of fast food. He added: “Factors contributing to the crisis include the consumption of energy-dense foods.”

      Cllr Tom Hinchcliffe (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) added concerns over pollution and asthma, which he said could be exacerbated by pollution from queuing traffic.

      Annie Newman, senior acquisitions surveyor at McDonald’s, said the land was an underutilised brownfield site which would be ‘brought back into positive use’. She said a new zebra crossing, upgraded cycle lane and footpath improvements ‘will benefit the community’.

      Ms Newman also pointed to apprenticeship options, the inclusion of measure to prevent noise and odour problems, and daily litter picks to keep the site tidy.

      She said McDonald’s had carried out an ‘intensive programme’ of highways assessments to ensure the impact of the proposed housing development next to the site had been taken into account.

      Council planning officers argued that the impact of the restaurant would be minimal from a traffic perspective and said that the site used to house businesses including the North Sea Chinese Restaurant and the Old Roundabout public house.

      Local views on the development appear to be split, with 56 letters in support, and 57 objecting.

      McDonald’s plans were approved in principle, subject to McDonald’s agreeing to a raft of conditions. These include the monitoring and possible extension of the litter picking area around the new restaurant and an agreement regarding local employment.

      Watch the full meeting below:

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