Concerns over Leeds store's site plan

The retailer announced plans to build on the former Allerton House site, on Harrogate Gate, in Chapel Allerton in November.

The site had previously been bought by supermarket giant Morrisons after they secured planning permission in 2013.

But after no work began on the site, commercial property company Rapley’s then put the site up for sale in June last year.

Aldi has since snapped up the site and has put forward plans to build at the rear of the site.

However, councillors in Leeds have indicated they will reject planning permission for the development, unless it is built towards the front of the site, facing onto Harrogate Road, with the servicing and car parking being positioned towards the back.

A planning report published by Leeds City Council read: “This aspect in itself is a strong planning reason to reject the option forwarded by the developers.

“However, greater emphasis is placed on this consideration due to the site’s status in a Conservation Area.”

Councillors expressed uncertainty over the design of the building and lack of detailed sketches at a recent meeting 
of the north and east plans panel.

Councillor Jane Dawson, Labour councillor for Chapel Allerton, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Local councillors have over the years held many consultation meetings and listened to the views of hundreds of residents about plans for this site.

“We fear the loss of our wonderful small shops such as the butcher, the green grocer and the fish monger should a new supermarket be approved, wherever it is positioned on the site”.