Middleton Arms plans: Councillors urge residents to have say on Aldi

Middleton councillor Geoff Driver has called on local residents to have their say on a controversial planning application to demolish the landmark Middleton Arms pub and replace it with a new Aldi supermarket.

As we reported earlier this week, Leeds City Council planners initially recommended that the application be turned down, but councillors deciding the application on last week’s plans panel were undecided and have instead called for a site visit to assess the impact the store would have on the local environment and on local residents.

Planners have concerns that the proposed new building would not fit in with the heritage of the local area and have stated that more consideration would be given to an application that makes use of the original building.

Local councillors, who do not sit on the plans panel, have said that it is important that local residents are aware of the what the plans are and that they have their say on them.

In a press release issued this week, councillor Geoff Driver (Middleton Park) said:

“Despite what has been said in some quarters, local opinion is actually divided about what should happen to the site of the old Middleton Arms pub and there is still time for people to have their say. As local councillors, we want to ensure that whatever decision is made, it is one that is supported by the majority of local residents.

 “One thing that is for certain is that something needs to be done with this site. While the old pub is just sitting there boarded up it is no good for anyone. The site definitely needs something doing with it and it is important that whatever that is, it is sensitive to the needs of local people and to the visual appearance of the area.

 “The planning department are still accepting comments from members of the public on this application so I would urge people to take a look at the plans and make their comments in writing as soon as possible so that they can be considered as part of the eventual decision.”

A poll run by South Leeds Life in August showed 37.5% of respondents supporting Aldi’s application, almost 47% against and 15% not bothered. You can still view and take part in the poll here.

Plans for application 11/02744/FU can be viewed online at http://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/. Comments can be submitted online or by writing to the Development Enquiry Centre, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Steet, Leeds, LS2 8HD, quoting the reference number above.