Leeds pub gets green light despite traffic issue

A new Samuel Smith's pub is set to open in Leeds despite the concerns of a councillor and residents about traffic.
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The bar, which could double as a restaurant, has been given outline permission to operate on Coal Road in Shadwell.

Samuel Smith’s pubs are known for cheap prices and a traditional style which includes a company-wide ban on music and televisions.

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The council received 15 letters of objection about the pub, but it was approved in principle by Leeds City Council this week.

Most worries related to the site being on land next to the junctions of Coal Road, Skeltons Lane and Red Hall Lane.

Coun Peter Gruen (Lab, Cross Gates and Whinmoor), said: “There were residents who were particularly anxious about traffic generation.

“Coal Road is used quite heavily. There are heavy goods vehicles accessing the area and quite a lot of cars coming from the A58, wanting to use Coal Road as a short cut and there’s been lots of accidents.”

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He added that with many homes due to be built in the area over coming years, some people think a pub being created later would be better so that customers are more likely to walk there.

Full details of the Tadcaster-based brewery’s plans for the site, and when a pub could open, have not been revealed.

Buts its planning agent DC-architecture said: “Their philosophy aims to provide authentic and traditional style public houses which should be considered as drinking establishments that also offer hearty pub food with quality and value underpinning the overall offering. As a matter of company policy Samuel Smiths does not have any televisions or music whatsoever in its establishments, preferring instead to create a convivial and conversational atmosphere with the aim of attracting a discerning clientele.”

They added that the “main objective” is to serve a “very local community” reached by “a short drive or walk”.