By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
The owners of a wooden hut on Kirkstall Lane have insisted the premises will not cause a nuisance if granted an alcohol licence.
Leeds City Council received an application to sell drinks from the premises, known as The Hut, which was considered by members of the licensing sub committee at Leeds Civic Hall today.
Wenham Home Ltd applied for permission for alcohol sales from a serving hatch until 10.30pm daily.
Kirkstall Ward councillors and Ash Road Area Residents Association (ARARA) objected, saying it could lead to noise, litter and public nuisance.
Concerns were also raised over the safety of drinkers at the premises, which is near a busy crossroads leading to Headingley Stadium.
But the applicant, Christopher Wenham, told a licensing hearing: “We have had a lot of positive feedback from the local community.
“We just want to work with the community, with the authorities, so it’s a safe place for people. I genuinely don’t feel it would cause any nuisance to the residents.”
Councillor Hannah Bithell, Labour member for Kirkstall, was among the objectors.
Coun Bithell told the meeting: “It doesn’t, in my opinion, meet the licensing conditions.”
The applicant had reached an agreement with West Yorkshire Police to limit the opening time to 10.30pm, a report to the meeting said.
The council’s licensing sub committee said the company would be given a decision in five working days.
It has the option of granting, refusing or approving the licence with additional conditions.
A bizarre application. If this goes through then the planning system is truly broken.
Leeds is not lacking retailers that sell alcohol.
We really don’t require another!
No, we don’t, but at the moment the council, and West Yorkshire Police, seem determined to increase the available outlets for alcohol, no matter where they are.