Councillors pull plug on Leeds karaoke bar plans over noise fears
Plans to open a cocktail bar and karaoke venue in a Leeds restaurant basement have been refused over noise concerns.
Leeds City Council blocked the conversion of the downstairs of 37-39 Great George Street in the city centre.
Customers would have enjoyed singing at the Grade II-listed premises if planning permission was granted.
But a change-of-use planning application was refused by council officials.
A design report said the bar would be open from 3pm-11.30pm, with advance bookings taken for karaoke.
It said: “It is likely that the proposed nature of the karaoke use would would generate noise from singing and playback music that is above the levels generated by the existing restaurant use.
“Also, additional footfall is likely to be generated from comings and goings to the proposed use late into the evening.”
A planning officer’s report said the ground floor of the property was a restaurant and there were people living in flats upstairs.
No noise report had been submitted to demonstrate how the impact on residents would be limited, the council said.
The applicant argued that granting permission would not harm the appearance of the building.
They said: “The development will bring significant benefits to the character and appearance of the area.
“The use will result in a minimal impact on the surrounding environment.”
Planning permission was refused in a decision issued on March 3.