Fast food giant's latest plans for Tingley McDonald's set for SIXTH rejection

Campaigners gathered at the White Bear pub after initial plans for a McDonald's were submitted. Picture by James Hardisty.

Leeds City Council rejected the American firm’s latest plans to demolish the derelict White Bear pub and create a restaurant on the site, in Dewsbury Road, in December as part of a planning battle that dates back to 2011.

Officers had initially recommended that the plans be approved but councillors sitting on its south and west plans panel thwarted the idea over suggestions noise and disturbance would encroach on the quality of life of nearby residents.

McDonald’s appealed the decision but a planning inspector dismissed the firm’s arguments in May.

A further report to be discussed by the council’s south and west plans panel on Thursday states that the proposals should again be refused because they are “likely to lead to an increase in on-street parking” outside people’s houses.

It reads: “This will introduce new noise and disturbance from engine noise, door slamming, car radios, and customer conversations, which would be a demonstrable source of nuisance and the quality of life of the nearest residents would be diminished due to the change in acoustic character of the area.”

The plans include the erection of a two-storey restaurant with a drive-through as well as the completion of car parking and landscaping works.

Residents had earlier argued that the McDonald’s plans could aggravate existing traffic problems at Tingley Roundabout and the availability of fast food so close to Woodkirk Academy would be a health liability.

The fast food giant argued the restaurant would make use of a derelict site and create 65 jobs for local people.

A McDonald’s spokeswoman said: “We will be taking time to consider the decision and options available.”