Plans were originally approved for a new Lidl store with 94 car parking spaces at the site of the former DW Fitness building off Haworth Lane, in Yeadon on March 24, 2023.
The application included demolition of the existing buildings, which have been blighted by anti-social behaviour and fires, and a number of conditions were attached.
Lidl subsequently sought to revise the position of the building but Leeds City Council refused permission for this in August last year stating concerns about about the impact this would have on the living conditions of neighbouring residents.
Lidl appealed this decision and following a site visit in December a government planning inspector has allowed the appeal enabling Lidl to reposition the store.
The site of the former DW Fitness building off Haworth Lane, in Yeadon, where a new Lidl is due to be built (Image: Google)
The planning inspector’s report published states: “I appreciate the revised position of the store building would be closer to the western boundary of the site compared to the previously approved scheme and that less space would be available for planting to occur in this gap. However, the store building would still be set back from the western boundary when compared with the current building on site and, being single storey and its sympathetic choice of materials, this would significantly reduce its visual presence and dominance on the surrounding area and the properties along Walkers Row.”
To compensate for the loss of trees as a result of the new proposal Lidl has offered to fund the planting of trees off-site, with funds secured through a Deed of Variation (DoV) submitted as part of the appeal.
The planning inspector said: “When considered together, I am therefore satisfied that the design and scale of the building, along with the proposed boundary and landscaping treatments, would mitigate the visual harm and effect the building would have on the properties along Walkers Row. I am also satisfied that the DoV provides sufficient compensation for the additional tree losses that would arise as a result of this proposal.”
The site of the former DW Fitness building off Haworth Lane, in Yeadon, where a new Lidl is due to be built (Image: Google)
Local residents had also raised concerns regarding the potential effects of reduced light and noise; the lack of need for shops and a preference for alternative uses for the site and for a crossing to be provided on Haworth Lane.
While these concerns were noted by the planning inspector he said as the council had raised no objection to the principle and location of the development he was satisfied it was in accordance with planning policies on these matters.
The planning inspector’s report added: “The proposal offers potential multiple economic and social benefits such as new investment, training and employment opportunities; the delivery of a modern, low energy, sustainable building; an increased range and retail choice for consumers; a well-located and easily accessible development for all users as well as improvements to an existing public right of way; improved landscaping and demolition of the current dilapidated building which attracts antisocial behaviour, trespass and poses safety concerns. Whilst these benefits would be delivered and materialise through the previously consented scheme they equally apply to this revised proposal and are afforded substantial positive weight in favour of the development.”
A councillor representing the area Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: “We did have concerns that moving the building nearer houses might cause issues for neighbouring residents. The Inspector believes this is acceptable and given the store the go-ahead with an instruction that work must start by March. Currently the old fitness centre is an eyesore and prone to vandalism. Hopefully things will now get moving and the site tidied up.”