Stanningley: New twist in Vickersdale scrap yard plans

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Stanningley Town Street

The future of a Stanningley scrap metal yard has taken a new twist after the owners submitted a fresh planning application to increase skip storage on the site.

Last year outline proposals for more than 40 properties were approved for Infinity Metals‘ Vickersdale site, to the relief of some neighbouring residents who had encountered problems with noise and dust.

But the owners have now submitted plans for car parking, relocating access to the site, additional skip storage and the construction of four-metre concrete walls and concrete bays for the storage of recycled metals. The plans include part of the site of the Old Roundabout pub, which was demolished last year.

The applicants say in an accompanying planning statement that they still intend to build housing and will submit a detailed planning application ‘in due course’. They say there are no proposed changes to the tonnages of metal handled on the site. The statement adds:

“This application … is intended to improve site operations to increase operating efficiency and to mitigate impacts upon neighbours in the time remaining until the site is redeveloped [for housing], subject to planning.

“The proposed development demonstrates the applicant’s desire to improve the current facility consisting of the smooth and efficient operations of their business. Furthermore, the client’s willingness to improve  the amenity of the area and reduce all current impacts on neighbours have been clearly outlined in this  planning application. The proposed development is deemed to be of an acceptable scale and appearance which would  complement its surroundings well.”

Residents’ reaction

But Carol Hodgson, who lives nearby, is angry about the latest application. She said:

“Last year the yard were supposed to be relocating and submitted a planning application for housing; this was passed. Over the years the scrap yard has been very detrimental to the area and residents have endured excessive noise, dust and unacceptable yard operations.

“The redevelopment for housing was going to improve people’s lives and regenerate Vickersdale after many years of neglect and the local community were very supportive of this.

“Twelve months on the yard has submitted a new planning application to re-organise and no doubt expand the business.”

And David Congreve, of Half Mile Lane, raised concerns about excessive noise and poor air quality on the site.

Mr Congreve, a former city councillor and council plans panel chairman, added:

“The on-site vehicle parking is inadequate and would force HGVs to park on Town Street outside the special school. This will create a danger for pupils, staff and parents.

“There should be a traffic management plan, a site operation plan, an adequate noise impact study submitted and an air quality study all submitted before any determination is made.”

The outline housing proposals approved last year for around 48 properties, includes the demolition of the existing commercial buildings on the scrap yard site. Original plans for around 60 properties on the site were submitted and withdrawn in 2015. Concerns from local agencies included road access onto Town Street and a lack of green space on the site.

The latest plans can be viewed in full here.

North Sea restaurant

Meanwhile, The North Sea restaurant next door to the site is up for auction later this month. The Dispatch reported recently about its shock closure after 26 years.

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