Leeds United pub The Drysalters under threat again as Costa Coffee submits new demolition plan

More than 100 people submitted objections to Costa Coffee's plans to demolish The Salters and turn it into a drive-thru coffee shop in August.

The agent for Costa Coffee claimed the pub had become "increasingly unprofitable" and that the current owners had struggled to sell it on.

But Leeds City Council officers said no evidence was provided to support the claim- and rejected their bid to demolish it.

Now a new application has been submitted.

Hayley Guy, who used to work at the pub and has spearheaded the campaign to protect it, said it was "heartbreaking".

She added: "I am fuming, did our voices not count against a huge company?"

Based just round the corner from Elland Road, the pub is used by home and away fans.

It is also close to Cottingley Crematorium and is used often by mourners for wakes.

Hayley, who was born and bred in the area, added: "Unfortunately the pub can’t open under Tier 3, but this doesn’t mean the end of the pub.

"It needs a cash buyer to save it now and to transform it.

"If we all object again they can’t ignore us.

"Anyone wanting coffee can either go to the White Rose Centre, where there are multiple coffee shops,

"There’s a drive-thru Starbucks next to the White Rose and McDonald’s and Burger King also sell coffee.

"We cannot let them take this pub - it’s time to stand up and make a noise so loud, it frightens Costa off for good."

Local councillors have submitted new objections to the plans.

Beeston and Holbeck councillor Andrew Scopes wrote in his objection:

“This application has already been considered and rejected with over 100 comments from residents. I find this reapplication inconsiderate of local people who have taken their time to register their objections and demonstrates a lack of local understanding. The main objection was, and still is, the value this premise brings to the community.

“Some of the reasons I object are:

"Concern as to the loss of the Public House as a valued community leisure asset for Cottingley Hall, Beeston and Churwell residents (food, drink, live music, parties etc)

"Concern as to the loss of the Public House as an important and valued meeting place for families attending / visiting the Crematorium

"Concern as to loss of the Public House as a valued community leisure asset for LUFC and football fans, Leeds based and indeed nationwide

"Concern from local residents as to encouragement of further increased destination traffic on Ring Road, in case a drive through was built, which many residents say already gives them a very poor environment (air quality, noise, their own ability to travel efficiently).

"Already an abundance of Coffee outlets within a mile radius.

"Not convinced that the new proposed Drive thru might bring any additional local employment opportunities as the pub already employs staff, in fact the pub has a potential to become busier after LUFC promotion.”

Comments objecting to or supporting the application can be made until Thursday, December 24.

View the application here.

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