Neighbour wars in Leeds's '˜Millionaire's Row' over illegal cinema and gym extension

Council papers detail the double garage extension - being carried out without planning permission - in Ling Lane in Scarcroft.

The area is home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents and sits in the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ of the most expensive streets in Yorkshire between Harrogate, York and North Leeds.

A report to come before a planning panel at Leeds Civic Hall this Thursday says the applicant is asking for retrospective planning approval to build a cinema room, snooker room and gym in the back garden at Ling Beeches, adding that the fact the applicant has flouted planning laws to start building it without permission is “unfortunate”.

The report says: “It is unfortunate that the applicant has chosen to firstly start works on site without planning permission, and secondly to locate the building...close to neighbouring properties”.

There has been a flurry of objections from neighbours, with complainants claiming the outbuilding “appears as a visual intrusive feature”, it blocks sunlight, will lead to the loss of protected trees and affects the “special character of the area”.

The objectors add that “the plans are not architecturally drawn as they do not adequately assess the impact of the development upon neighbours”.

Despite the concerns, council officers are recommending approval of the backdated planning approval.

They say the building - once new conditions are imposed - “will not have an adverse impact upon the character of the area or upon neighbouring residential amenity”.