Plan for new homes on site of axed health clinic in east Leeds

A planning application has been submitted to Leeds City Council seeking permission for the demolition of the old Garforth Clinic building and the construction of eight new homes.

The application has been lodged by Yorkshire-based Pinnacle View Homes, which was the successful bidder for the Lidgett Lane site after it was offered for sale on the open market.

A planning document submitted to the council on behalf of Pinnacle says leaving the site undeveloped risks it becoming a magnet for yobs and drug users who could cause “vandalism, litter and other problems for the local area”.

The document also says the proposed scheme would be “high quality and attractive” and would “bring about considerable improvements over and above the existing situation”.

Coun Mark Dobson (Garforth & Swillington Independents) led opposition to the clinic closure and today said he was dismayed by what was being planned for the site.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Garforth is a town with a growing population and it seems ironic that the clinic’s place could be taken by housing for people who will need healthcare access.”

The Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust closed Garforth Clinic at the start of last year.

Trust bosses argued that the clinic’s users could access the same services in nearby places such as Kippax, Halton and Seacroft.

Comments on the planning application for the former clinic site should be submitted to the council by December 8.