Council says no to pub conversion at high school site

2.13.00pm GMT Mon 24th Mar 2008

A report to Leeds councillors makes it clear that the there is little chance of the council ever approving either planning or licensing applications for the listed Elinor Lupton Building to be turned into a pub.

The report will go to the meeting of Leeds City Council's Executive Board on Wednesday 12th March. It has been tabled in response to a deputation received by the council earlier this year.

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said:

"The report makes it clear that there would be serious barriers to approving such an application were it to come before our plans panel. I am pleased that the council has put down a marker in response to concerns expressed by the community."

Councillor Penny Ewens (Lib Dem, Hyde Park and Woodhouse) added:

"The council's cumulative impact policy says that no more pubs should be granted licenses along the Otley Road corridor. Whilst this policy has been in operation, no new pubs have opened, and the report makes it clear that as far as officers are concerned, there are no special circumstances relating to this particular site."

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill), Deputy Leader of Council said:

"The report goes as far as we can in pouring cold water on such a proposal without prejudicing the council's legal position should such an application be submitted. This sends out a very strong signal to any would be developer and to the wider community that a pub on this site would be unacceptable. I personally remain 100% opposed to the building's conversion into a pub."