Leeds council blocks takeaway's pizza plans over 'unacceptable' request

A planning application for a pizza takeaway in Horsforth has been refused.

A sandwich shop has been refused permission to sell hot pizzas following opposition from local residents.

Leeds City Council has rejected a planning application for Woodside Stores in Horsforth to operate as a hot food takeaway. Nine letters of objection were submitted, expressing concerns about potential noise, odour and litter from the shop on Paradise Place.

One objector stated: "Evening sales will impact on residential amenity in terms of noise and disturbance, especially after 9pm."

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Residents also raised concerns that insufficient customer parking could result in traffic congestion in the surrounding streets. A council report noted: "Customers would consequently be likely to park on Paradise Place, on the footway, around the arm of the roundabout or on Low Lane, where demand for residents' on-street parking is already high."

The report also revealed that burgers and fries could have been sold from the proposed takeaway between 6pm and 11pm.

Plans for the premises included fitting an electric pizza oven. A design report submitted by the applicant stated: "This application seeks permission to continue the existing sandwich shop while introducing freshly made pizzas prepared from the existing rear kitchen.

"The proposal is to expand the existing menu rather than replace the existing business."

The applicant argued that a change of use of the premises was unlikely to have a significant effect on neighbouring properties. They stated: "The proposal makes use of the existing premises and kitchen facilities while supporting the continued operation of a long-established local business."

Council planning officers advised that the application should be rejected. Their report noted: "The proposed change of use to a hot food takeaway is considered unacceptable due to impact both on highway safety and residential amenity.

"The proposal does therefore not comply with national and local policy and is refused."