Tong Garden Centre given go-ahead to build second site in south Leeds

The company behind the popular Tong Lane site, in Tong Village, received planning approval at a Leeds City Council’s South and West Plans Panel on Thursday, June 3.

It can now begin construction to build a brand new garden centre and soft play area at the former Acanthus Golf Club off Thorpe Lane in Tingley

This is despite some councillors claiming that the scheme could penalise those on low incomes who do not have access to a car, as it would be too remote and currently sits on the green belt.

But a meeting of Leeds City Council’s South and West Plans Panel approved the scheme after a document, written by council licensing chiefs, had recommended the site be approved in principle.

Plans for the Tingley site include a large garden centre with a 1000m2 plant canopy and 2000m2 of outdoor sales space, a 400-seater restaurant, a Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play and a Hearty’s Food Hall.

The existing golf centre building will be the hub for an adventure play area set in five acres for 6 to 14 year olds, the company said:

Manning Director, Mark Farnsworth, said: “We are delighted to have the plans approved after three years working on this project.

"It’s been a big team effort and we’d like to thank all involved.

"All being well, we intend to start on the site in mid-July with the doors open to the public next July.

“We have learnt a lot over the last six years at Tong and we intend to apply that knowledge to help create a top-class garden centre with something for all the family.

"We hope it can be a great addition to the South Leeds area.

"We are very excited about the addition of the adventure play area which, in addition to our Grasshoppers play area at Tingley, will offer children up to the age of 14 an exciting space to enjoy themselves.

“Finally, our business is all about our people and we are so pleased that this will create career opportunities for our existing team as well as creating up to 250 jobs for local people.”