McDonald's plans for former pub set to be rejected

The planned demolition of a former pub to make way for a fast food outlet is set to be blocked by the council.

Fears were raised over road safety and public health after McDonald's sought permission to knock down the Old Red Lion in Whinmoor.

The company would build a drive-through at the site of the pub and former taxi rank if planning permission was granted.

Councillors are expected to refuse the application at a hearing on 24 April.

A meeting report said plans for the site had been revised after a similar proposal was refused permission last year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It also stated the outlet would be within walking distance of two primary schools and cars turning into the site would also increase traffic congestion on York Road.

"Such congestion would impact on the free flow of traffic and increase the risk of collisions, resulting in unsafe operation of the highway," the report said.

The council's public health team lodged a formal objection, saying the takeaway would fail to promote healthy lifestyles.

Leeds City Council received 44 letters of support, along with eight public objections. Concerns included the risk of anti-social behaviour and littering.

One objector wrote: "This proposal would encourage people to loiter around the area."

The council's North and East plans panel will consider the application at the request of Labour councillor Jess Lennox.

The 260-year-old pub closed in 2021 after its licence was revoked by the council following complaints about anti-social behaviour on the premises.

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