£1.1 million engine shed plans submitted at Leeds Industrial Museum

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March 3, 2025

Armley mills closed — Armley Mills closed for months due to the Boxing Day floods in 2015

Plans to rebuild an extension to the existing ‘engine shed’ at Leeds Industrial Museum in Armley have been submitted.

Work includes the reconstruction of the engine shed, which was demolished due to structural defects, flood damage and to allow the development of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

A design statement submitted with the application stated: “The Drying House Range has suffered from a certain amount of neglect and lack of basic maintenance over the years and there are a significant number of repairs that are required now to prevent serious damage to the historic fabric from occurring in the near future from damp ingress via deteriorated stone and pointing.

“The proposed conservation works will address this process ensuring the buildings are preserved for future generations to visit and enjoy.

“The previous issue with the roof height in the western section of the engine shed has resulted in this area being unused and it has fallen into a dilapidated state, with its demolition allowing a proposed structure which the museum can utilise increasing its capacity for conservation work and improving the visitor experience.”

The £1.1 million works will be carried out on jointly funded by the council and Arts Council England. The plans can be viewed in full here.

Meanwhile, plans to install air source heat pumps in a plant opposite the main building have been approved by council this week. A design statement said: “The project is to be delivered to improve long-term energy viability and sustainability.” The approved plans can be viewed here.

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Pudsey: Cafe plan at former hairdressers

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March 3, 2025

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Screenshot 2025-03-02 at 15.13.37 — The business would be based on Lowtown.

A Pudsey hair salon could be converted into a hot food cafe if plans are approved by Leeds City Council.

Applicant Dale Wilkinson, the owner of Pudsey and Horsforth-based The Yorkshire Vaper, wants to transform the former SC Two hair salon at 17 Lowtown to a hot food cafe called Mary’s Kitchen.

The cafe will sit alongside and form part of Mr Wlkinson’s existing collectibles shop on Lowtown.

A design statement submitted with the application states: “The design/changes to the property are very minimal and only actually serve to replace existing old derelict or dated elements

“The new shop front will essentially be like for like PVC, the only difference being the colour change from white to black, and single to double glazing, both other premises either side of 17 have black shop fronts so this will only serve to bring the shop in keeping with the others, while also improving heat retention for the building with the improvement of double glazing instead of single, with the intent of lowering energy use.”

The plans can be viewed here.

Inexperienced Farsley Celtic hit for six by ruthless Kidderminster

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March 3, 2025

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Farsley Celtic v Darlington — Farsley Celtic have been playing their games away at Buxton.

A youthful Farsley Celtic side suffered a 6-0 home defeat against playoff hopefuls Kidderminster Harriers.

The Celts, who have not played a game in Farsley this season due to delayed work installing a new 4G pitch, again saw nine young players from its emerging talent squad (ETS) in yesterday’s match day squad, which had an average age of just 19.

The game was again played at Buxton FC’s Silverlands stadium and it was the full-time outfit which took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Braces from Amari Morgan-Smith and Ashley Hemmings, plus goals from Reiss McNally and Kamran Kandola ensured the full time professional visitors a comfortable victory.

It took the Harriers only three minutes to open the scoring as McNally was allowed a free header to score the opener from an early corner.

Their lead was doubled on six minutes as Morgan-Smith was played in to slot home past Nottingham Forest loanee Will Brook in the Farsley goal.

Phil Brown’s side grabbed their third on 17 minutes as Max Kouhyar delivered the ball in and Hemmings applied the finishing touch.

Kiddy had further chances to extend their lead with Kouhyar’s shot hitting the post, before Morgan-Smith was denied on the follow-up by Brook.

Harriers did add a fourth as Kouhyar slipped the ball to Morgan-Smith who dinked his shot over Brook to send them into the break well ahead.

Celts boss David Stockdale made a triple sub at the break but Kidderminster pressed home their dominance as they netted a fifth as Hemmings squeezed home a fifth from a narrow angle on 47 minutes.

Farsley looked more structured for most of the second half and limited the amount of chances afforded to the visitors but Kidderminster added their sixth and final goal on 75 minutes as sub Kondola swept home from the edge of the area.

The defeat is the cash-strapped Celts’ eighth in a row, and they have failed to score in the last five games. They remain without a win in 2025 and have launched a crowdfunding campaign which has so far raised more than £13,000 towards operating costs to help them reach the end of the season.

Farsley return to action on Saturday when they host South Shields (at Buxton).

Line up

Farsley Celtic: Brook, Bumhira, Janneh (Newsome 46), Abankwah, Sheridan, Morrisey, Priestley-Standing (Monteiro 46), Mampala (Edmondson 83), Kondolo, Iwobi (Youmbi 46) Krubally (Ameho 69).

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Burley Road takeaway faces licence review

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March 2, 2025

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Mr Ts Burley Road — Mr Ts on Burley Road. Photo: Google

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A Burley fast food takeaway could lose its licence to operate after being accused of employing illegal workers.

Mr T’s, on Burley Road, Leeds, faces a review of its premises licence following an enforcement visit by immigration officers.

The Home Office alleged that four staff members did not have permission to work there.

Leeds city councillors will discuss the premises at a licensing sub-committee hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, March 11.

A Home Office report said the takeaway was given a financial penalty following the visit on September 13 last year after intelligence was received.

It said: “Immigration officers encountered eight individuals working within the premises, of which four were identified as working illegally.

“A civil penalty of £90,000 has been issued on December 13, 2024.”

The council has been asked to revoke the licence for Mr T’s, which is operated by TMR Leeds Ltd.

The current premises licence allows the serving of late night refreshment until 3.30am every day.

The Home Office report said adding conditions to the licence or suspending it would not be sufficient.

It said: “This business has clearly failed to meet the prevention of crime and
disorder objective. Immigration Enforcement asks that the premises licence is revoked.”

Paving thefts on agenda at Burley public meeting

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March 2, 2025

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paving stone thefts burley — Paving stone thefts are causing problems in Burley. Photo (2023): Connor Briggs

The theft of York Stone flags from pavements in Burley is a continuing cause for concern, and Kirkstall’s councillors have said there has been an upsurge in these offences.

West Yorkshire Police has also received reports of a spate of thefts from and damage to cars in the Burley Wood area over the past few weeks.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team are holding one of their regular public meetings on Wednesday, 5 March at Greenhow Community Centre, Haddon Road, at 6pm.

Residents are welcome to share their thoughts on these topics, or on any other local crime or policing related issues. As well as the police, Councillors Hannah Bithell and Andy Rontree (both Lab, Kirkstall) will both be there.

Town of Sanctuary event a ‘great success’ in Horsforth

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Jill Stocks

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March 2, 2025

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By Jill Stocks

Horsforth Town of Sanctuary, a group of volunteers who help people seeking sanctuary in the area, held a Great Get Together event at St Margaret’s Church.

Those attending included invitees from the area as well as a number of men seeking sanctuary, who took part in a quiz icebreaker and then enjoyed food followed by a performance by local band Stroke of Genius.

In addition there were moving testimonies by two of the men seeking sanctuary who spoke about their experiences and expressed gratitude for the welcome they have received in Horsforth.

Rose McCarthy, founder of Horsforth Town of Sanctuary, said: “This Great Get Together was a precious moment in time when people from around the world came together in peace and saw each other as human beings rather than labels.

“Together we enjoyed a quiz drawing on knowledge from world travellers, international food, great music and dancing.

“The atmosphere was one of welcome, friendship and fun. It spread hope and reminded me that Jo Cox was right when she said ‘we have more in common than divides us’.”

Horsforth Town of Sanctuary received the Jo Cox Award in December at a ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall. The award was given in recognition of their work raising awareness and offering support to people seeking asylum and refugees.

Jane Linley, a volunteer for the group, said: “Just after Covid we started from a small group [at St Mary’s Church] and approached all the other churches in the area for help and they did through Horsforth Churches Together. Horsforth Town of Sanctuary came out of that.

“It’s about awareness raising and it’s about finding and supporting people who are coming into the community. And those people coming in taking their place as volunteers. It’s not about us giving to other people, it’s about them. What they can do to help in our community.

“One of the things that happens in St Margaret’s Church Hall is once a month there is a social where the men from the hotel have the opportunity to cook tea. And then we all sit down and eat together, volunteers and men from the hotel.

“It’s about being a more inclusive society. One thing is for people in the community meeting asylum seekers and realising that most of them are very genuine people here for very genuine reasons and who really want to be involved in the community and give back. They don’t want to be dependent on other people.”

Horsforth Town of Sanctuary are also linked to Leeds City of Sanctuary and the UK movement City of Sanctuary.

There are almost 200 asylum seekers living locally and various ways you can help the organisation. Horsforth Town of Sanctuary holds monthly meetings on the first Monday of every month at St Mary’s Church on Broadgate Lane between 5:30pm and 7pm which are open to anyone wishing to get involved.

Donations of various items are always welcome, particularly men’s clothing, new underwear and socks, laptops and phones, football boots and trainers, suitcases and backpacks and nail clippers, which can be dropped off on Mondays at Horsforth Community Cafe at St Margaret’s Parish Centre between 10am and 2pm.

As well as donations volunteers are always welcome at the various activities run by the organisation including football, Monday Conversation Club which helps people learning English and helping at clothing days.

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West Leeds planning applications: 2 March 2025

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March 2, 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.

Decided applications

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

Armley Ward

Consent, agreement or approval required by condition 16 of Planning Application 22/06813/FU, Armley Park Court, Stanningley Road, Leeds LS12 2AE.
Proposed Air Source Heat Pumps on supporting frame, guard railing with gate, associated service runs through existing building to existing plant room, Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Road, Leeds LS12 2QF.
Listed building application for proposed Air Source Heat Pumps on supporting frame, guard railing with gate, associated service runs through existing building to existing plant room, Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 2LX.

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Change of use of dental surgery to short-term residential lets within Use Class C1|226, Stanningley Road, Leeds LS13 3BA.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Consent, agreement or approval required by conditions 4, 8 and 11 of Planning Application 23/02765/FU, 67 And 67A Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey LS28 5PP.
Conversion of garage to form ancillary annexe to dwelling with replacement of garage door with windows and new sliding door and window to side; new porch to front; removal of existing dwarf wall and enlargement of dropped kerb to front; hardstanding to front , 1 Hollin Park Drive, Calverley, Pudsey LS28 5PN.
Retrospective application for a dormer window to the front, 27 Low Bank Street, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5JJ.
Porch to front; front elevation wall positions amended; roof raised; window and door alterations; part ground and first floor rear extension; pergola to rear; dormer window to rear with rooflights to front and rear; new vehicular access; single storey side extension and front bay windows, 34 Woodhall Park Avenue, Stanningley, Pudsey LS28 7HF.
First floor side extension, 17 Highfield Crescent, Pudsey, LS28 7JH.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

5.00m single storey rear extension, 4.00m to ridge height and 3.00m to eaves, 6 Whincover Mount, Farnley, Leeds LS12 5JX.
Consent, agreement or approval of condition 4 to planning application 24/00824/FU, The Farnley Academy, Chapel Lane, Farnley, Leeds LS12 5EU.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a single storey rear extension, 10 Kellett Walk, Lower Wortley, Leeds LS12 4AN.
Single storey side extension including new bifold door; first floor rear extension, with juliet balcony and French windows, 830 Tong Road, Farnley, Leeds LS12 5HE.
Consent, agreement or approval required by condition 7 to planning application 23/04522/FU, Woodcock Farm, Back Lane, New Farnley, Leeds LS12 5HJ.
Consent, agreement or approval required by conditons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 to planning application 22/06682/FU, Appletree Cottage, Gildersome Lane, Gildersome, Morley Leeds LS27 7BJ.

Horsforth Ward

Tree works, Garden House, Summerfield House, Outwood Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4HR.
First floor side extension; single storey rear extension; single storey front extension; conversion of garage into habitable room and store, 27 St Margaret’s Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BG.
Two storey rear extension; dormer window to rear; roof lights to front; new first floor windows to both sides; new canopy to front; replacement windows; new front door and removal of chimneys Show less description, 1A Park Grove, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5EE.
Part single storey part first floor side extension; new pitched roof to the existing integral garage and part conversion of the integral garage into a habitable room Show less description, 92 West End Drive, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JX.
Certificate of Proposed Lawul Development for a dormer window to the side; single storey side extensions to each side; removal of chimney; two storey extensions to rear Show less description, The Meadows, Rawdon Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4EA.
Formation of additional first and second storey with dormer window to rear and rooflights to front; Infill extension to existing bungalow; removal of lobby and new steps to front , 28 Knoll Wood Park, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4SH.
Refurbishment of existing roof including installation of solar panels to front roof slope, 3 Woodlands Drive, Rawdon, Leeds BD10 0NX.
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for a change of use of the current former garage/workshop to a beauty therapy treatment room , 2 Broadgate Drive, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5QB.

Kirkstall Ward

Retrospective planning application for the re-building of outbuilding, 10 The Rise, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EP.

Pudsey Ward

Tree works, The Willows, Lane End Mount, Pudsey, LS28 9AE.
Certificate of Existing Lawful Development for mixed use as storage, livery, residential, menage and solar array, Land Off Roker Lane, Pudsey.
Change of use of part of first and second floor to create two flats, along with associated internal and external alterations including bin store , 11 – 15 Chapeltown, Pudsey, LS28 7RZ.

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In photos: Crocus carpet at Kirkstall Abbey, fluffy clouds above Bramley baths and park

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March 1, 2025

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Photographer Susan Tellum continues to chronicle West Leeds through the seasons – this week she’s captures some early spring blooming flowers creating a gorgeous floral carpet at Kirkstall Abbey.

And the sun was out in Bramley Park and around Bramley Baths.

Here’s a gallery of her photos:

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Council issues warning over unauthorised building works

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March 1, 2025

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Council chiefs have warned homeowners of the need to abide by planning laws after taking enforcement action at properties in Horsforth and Garforth.

In the Horsforth case, planning permission was granted in 2017 for side and rear extensions to a property in the Rawdon Road area. But once work started it became clear that what was taking shape differed substantially – in design and size – from the approved plans.

The council said the finished development had an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.

Following an unsuccessful application by the owner for retrospective planning permission that would have allowed the extensions to remain as built, the council served an enforcement notice that required them to be modified or removed.

After the owner failed to comply with this notice, the council brought a prosecution which culminated in a hearing at Leeds Crown Court.

Following a guilty plea, the owner was fined £17,000 and ordered to pay the council’s costs, which were in excess of £19,000.

The property is now under different ownership but, despite the successful prosecution, the extensions are still in place. The council has told the new owner that they must be modified – so they are in line with the approved 2017 plans – or removed.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “The council takes its duties as the planning authority for Leeds extremely seriously, with investigations into potential regulation breaches being conducted as quickly and effectively as possible.

“Where it is considered appropriate for us to do so, we will use our enforcement powers to protect the character and appearance of the city and maintain public confidence in the planning system.

“The cases in Horsforth and Garforth have been long-running and complex, and I would like to thank officers involved for the diligence and determination they have shown.

“We hope the results will act as a reminder to people in Leeds that breaches of planning regulations can have significant and costly consequences.”

Matters that can be investigated by the council’s planning enforcement service include developments without planning permission, developments that fail to comply with agreed permission, unauthorised changes of use and unauthorised work on buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

People with concerns about a possible breach of planning regulations can contact the council by e-mailing planning.enforcement@leeds.gov.uk. Further information about the authority’s enforcement work can be found here.

Armley: Rat infested sandwich shop closed by council as owner handed lifetime ban

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March 1, 2025

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A senior councillor has welcomed the closure of an Armley sandwich shop on health grounds.

Emma’s Sandwich Shop on Wortley Road, Armley, has been permanently closed after officers discovered a raft of food hygiene failures, including evidence of an active rat infestation.

Environmental health officers said rat droppings also littered the area, including where open food was being handled and among soft drinks containers, and a rat was observed on one inspection running behind fridges and freezers in the kitchen.

Officers also discovered the sink had a lack of hot running water for washing hands.

Proprietor Dawn Smith pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to 14 food safety offences, including breaching a closure order when she continued to open for business despite the council issuing a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) requiring the premises to close with immediate effect.

The judge yesterday (Friday, 28 February) handed Ms Smith a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and approved Leeds City Council’s application for a Hygiene Prohibition Order, banning her from participating in the management of any food business.

She was also ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days and pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Our officers took swift action against this business as soon as it became clear there was an imminent risk to public health.

“These are incredibly serious offences and the operator’s repeated failure to improve standards and comply with improvement notices show a flagrant disregard to food safety.

“I’d like to thank the environmental health officers for their hard work in prosecuting this case and preventing this operator from managing any food business in the future.

“It is absolutely vital that food businesses are kept clean and in good repair in line with stringent food safety legislation. A failure to do so could potentially result in terrible consequences for the public and we will always take action against any owners not abiding by these laws.”

Leeds Live reported in May 2022 that Emma’s Sandwich Bar was told to ‘clean and degrease all surfaces’ – but staff had claimed the inspector was ‘harsh’. And last year the Yorkshire Post reported a Food Standard Agency inspection giving the cafe a zero star rating.

Horsforth Hotel fundraises for Macmillan March

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Jill Stocks

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March 1, 2025

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By Jill Stocks

Horsforth local The Horsforth Hotel will once again be inviting customers to participate in a range of activities as part of their fundraising efforts for Macmillan March.

The Horsforth venue has raised thousands over the years for Macmillan Cancer Support through various events from raffles to fun days and sponsored events.

The Greene King group of pubs, which owns the Horsforth Hotel, has been in partnership with Macmillan for 12 years and last month announced that it had raised £3.9 million for the charity in 2024, the highest ever annual total. More than £20 million has been raised in total over the length of the partnership.

Kate Lightfoot is Senior Corporate Partnership Development Manager at Macmillan. She said: “We have been proud charity partners with Greene King since 2012, and we’re excited to see their amazing fundraising efforts ahead of Macmillan March.

“Last year, the Horsforth Hotel raised over £3,000 to help us provide vital services to support people living with cancer, and we’re so grateful for their continued support. All money raised during March will fund Macmillan’s Support Line to ensure we can be there for people living with cancer when they need us most.”

Macmillan’s support line provides a confidential service to patients and their families and friends on a range of subjects from managing finances to information about diagnosis and local services.

A spokesperson for The Horsforth said: “We are really excited to get started with our Macmillan March fundraising, including a month-long tombola, virtual race night, darts tournament and much more.

“We look forward to welcoming our guests and we appreciate all of the support we receive in raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Assistant manager Chloe Edge has been organising the fundraising. She said: “I have managed to get over one hundred prizes for the tombola. I’ve set a target of £2,000 for the month of March. I’m very excited for all the events I have got planned.”

Macmillan March events at The Horsforth will start this Saturday night (1 March) with Boozy Bingo from 8 till late. Or join in the annual daytime Macmillan bingo event on Wednesday, March 5 at 2pm.

The Macmillan darts tournament takes place on Thursday 13 March from 7.30pm. Entries are welcome from all comers. And there will be a night of virtual horse racing on Saturday 22 March from 8pm with bets a pound each.

You can pop in any time to take part in the tombola or why not stop by for coffee and cake at the Macmillan coffee morning on Wednesday 26 March from 11am. Donations of cakes are always welcome for this too. Just drop them in to the venue leading up to the event or on the morning itself.

Contact the Horsforth hotel through their facebook page if you would like any more information on any of the pubs events supporting Macmillan.

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Tributes paid to eminent Pudsey organist Simon Lindley

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February 28, 2025

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Dr simon lindley — Dr Simon Lindley wins a Leeds Award

Renowned Pudsey organist Doctor Simon Lindley has passed away, aged 76.

Dr Lindley died on Monday, February 25. He served as organist and master of the music at Leeds Minster from 1975 until 2016 and lived in Fulneck, Pudsey.

He was also conductor of Sheffield Bach Choir until 2023.

A minute’s silence was held at Wednesday’s meeting of full council in Leeds Civic Hall.

Leeds Lord Mayor Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung paid tribute to Dr Linley: “Simon was master of music at Leeds Minster and also Leeds city organist for over 40 years.

“He was presented with the Leeds Award in 2017 for his immense contribution to music in the city.”

All councillors present stood in a minute’s silence to honour Dr Linley.

A tribute posted on the Leeds Minster website said: “Dr Lindley was one of the finest British organists of his generation, and renowned for his impassioned advocacy and practice of church music.

“His influence at Leeds Parish Church (as Leeds Minster was then known), but also within the wider musical community of Leeds and his beloved West Riding, was profound and enduring.

“A colourful – some might say technicolor – character, he leaves behind a legacy marked by lives enriched through his music-making and generous friendship, along with many cherished memories and anecdotes.”

As choirmaster, Dr Lindley nurtured young singers, enabling them to achieve high standards of sight-reading and performance while fostering their musical and personal confidence.

He was President of the Royal College of Organists from 2000-2003, and of the Incorporated Association of Organists 2003-2005.

The tribute concluded: “His encouragement, time, and support were selflessly given to singers, organists, instrumentalists, and others who collaborated with him.

“His legacy endures not only for those with whom he worked closely in their ongoing music-making and contribution to church music, but also in the brief yet treasured moments of musical connection or kind words that he shared with so many more.

“Tributes and memories shared across social media testify to the extraordinary impact he had on countless lives.”

Leeds Philharmonic Chorus posted: “Simon was a major force in the music life of Yorkshire and especially Leeds, and will be missed by so many. He was a superb organist (being the city organist until he retired) as well as being a gifted teacher, composer and leader of many of the big Yorkshire choirs over the years.

“At the time of his death he was still our Vice President and prior to that he spent many years as a Trustee and our Music Programme Manager. We pass our condolences to his family and friends at this time.”

Andrew Edwards, formerly of BBC Radio Leeds, posted on X: “Very sad to learn that Dr Simon Lindley has died. A lovely man, hugely inspiring musician and teacher and – for many years – a wonderful guide through classical music @BBCLeeds.”