Plot of council land in Leeds put up for auction - and could make way for homes

The sale of a plot of land could make way for housing after council bosses decided to put the site up for auction.

Leeds City Council said the land on All Saints Road in Rothwell was surplus to requirements.

The site near the A642 Aberford Road is set to go up for auction and could be redeveloped, a council report said.

The sale would raise cash for the authority and relieve the council of future maintenance costs.

The report said: “It is recommended that it is disposed of on the open market by way of public auction.

“The disposal will generate a capital receipt for the council as well as absolve the council of any retention and maintenance costs.”

Future redevelopment of the site would be subject to council planning approval, the report said.

It said: “The proposed disposal is expected that the new owner will renovate and bring back into use.

“The subject site is surplus to council requirements and no reason has been identified to justify its retention.”

An auction guide price was yet to be decided for the site. The council said there was a risk that a buyer would not be found.

But the report said: “However, this is unlikely given the recent auction results which demonstrate strong interest in similar site of this type and value.

“An appropriate guide price will be marketed by the appointed auctioneer, with the reserve price set in consultation with the auctioneer and informed by the level of interest generated.”

The council could review the auction price or look at different options to sell the site, the report said.

It said: “It is anticipated the sale will be completed in the 2026/27 financial year.”

The report said the land was one of eleven council housing sites deemed no longer of use to the council.

The former garage site could potentially be bought back by the council if no use was found for the land.

The report said: “Housing declared the site surplus in February 2025, with a stipulation that the site must be developed within three years, and the council has the right to repurchase the property if this is not adhered to.”