Plans for derelict Leeds pub creates jobs

Site owners, the Harrogate-based Westcourt Group, have lodged an application with Leeds City Council to transform the area in Armley which has become an eyesore.

If given the go-ahead, The Golden Lion pub on Armley Road will make way for two units complete with reception, sales and car parking areas.

They will make up 514 square metres of employment floor space and in addition to the immediate construction and trades jobs created on a temporary basis, the warehouse units are set to create between 20 and 40 jobs.

Under the Leeds ‘Unitary Development Plan’ the site is not allocated to any specific category of use but there is already a pocket of other commercial ventures such as a pet shop, adult members club and shops.

Agents, LHL Group, based in Hull say that the proposals will have social, economic and environmental benefits.

A spokesperson said: “The site is used by intravenous drug users, street drinkers and has been vandalised repeatedly.

“The re-development would restrict opportunities for these types of behaviour.

“The site is an eyesore in terms of its physical appearance. The redevelopment will result in an improvement to the visual amenity of the area.”

The pub has been vacant for at least ten years and was being marketed for some time by agents Harvey and Burn.

Although even then it being a pub again was deemed unlikely.

In 2010 a spokesman told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The market is not there for that kind of use any more. It’s going to be very expensive for anyone who would want to turn it back into a pub.”