Leeds United Elland Road matchday pub The Drysalters could become drive-thru coffee shop

For decades, The Drysalters in Elland Road was a regular haunt for masses of Leeds United fans on matchdays, but its days could be coming to an end should the application be approved.

The plans, submitted by Manchester-based NHG Estates Ltd, seeks the “demolition of public house and erection of drive-through coffee shop”, addressed at The Drysalters in Beeston Ring Road.

The applicants claimed the pub had become “increasingly unprofitable” over the years, and that the previous owners, having been unable to revive the its fortunes, sold the site for redevelopment.

But a letter of objection claimed the pub was an important community asset, adding the area did not need a “soul-less” corporation taking its place.

The planning statement from NHG Estates read: “The pub appears to date from the 1960s and in common with licensed premises across the country, trade has reduced over recent years, turnover has fallen and the pub has become increasingly unprofitable.

“The owners have been unable to revive the business or sell the property as a going-concern and have sold the site for redevelopment. It is not a nationally or locally Listed Building, nor is it listed as an Asset of Community Value. There are no previous planning applications which affect the principle of redevelopment now proposed.”

The document went on to claim the pub would be demolished to make way for a single storey building, which would be occupied by a coffee shop with drive-through facility.

It added: “The coffee shop will have a rendered/timber-clad appearance with a glazed corner feature facing the front of the site. It will have a spacious and adaptable interior and an external fenced yard area will accommodate refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

“The coffee shop will serve passers-by and those working at or visiting local businesses in the area as well as southbound drivers on the A6110. There is also scope for a local walk-in catchment population as well as people using the nearby local bus service.”

The application has so far only attracted one letter of objection from a local resident, which states: “The Drysalters is in close proximity to the Cottingley Crematorium and is used daily by mourners for wakes. It is a hub of the community.

“It is a well known Leeds landmark. and we local residents do not need or want anything so soul-less as yet another massive multinational money grabbing corporation.”

The Drysalters website describes the pub: “In the shadow of Elland Road Football Stadium, The Drysalters a good place to park up on match days.

“A friendly football pub where well behaved away supporters are welcome.”