Morley bar plans could bring old Queen Street shop back into use after decades

The Queen Street property could be converted into a pub or bar, according to new plans submitted to Leeds City Council. A statement attached to the plans said the unit has been “vacant for aroundtwo decades, and the current owner wants to change the use of the property to a drinking establishment, employing one full-time staff member”.

If approved, the bar in Morley Bottoms would have outdoor seating on the pavement outside, with the end of Queen Street having been partially pedestrianised at its junction with Brunswick Street. The planning statement said that the property was the only vacant unit on that side of Queen Street and that it would “enhance the local street scene” if the change in use was accepted.

The statement said: “The intersection of Queen Street, Chapel Hill and Brunswick Street in Morley is an area which has seen extensive regeneration, with several small drinking establishments being opened, contributing to the alterations to Queen Street to enable the partial closure and external seating arrangements. Various enterprises have been established in this area over the years; however, the demand for premises such as model shops, home brewing equipment, and beauty salons has needed to be higher, partially due to a lack of parking and niche markets.”

The statement said bars and restaurants in Morley town centre have “prospered”, despite the struggles of other types of businesses. Leeds City Council created the pedestrianised zone at Morley Bottoms in 2021, in a move it said would help eateries and pubs after lockdown and ease traffic in the area. However, it reopened traffic in a northbound direction last July following a backlash from people and local councillors opposed to the idea.

A decision on the plans will be made in the coming months.