There may be trouble ahead! Traffic concerns over Leeds store plan

As previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, the discount retailer is seeking permission for the store to be built on land to the south of Barrowby Lane in Garforth.

Local councillor Mark Dobson (Lab, Garforth & Swillington) and a number of the town’s residents have already made clear their opposition to the scheme.

And now Leeds City Council’s highways department has added its voice to the chorus of disapproval.

A report outlining the department’s views on the plans says they “cannot be supported as submitted”.

The report goes on: “The highway authority considers that the adjacent traffic signal controlled junction (Wakefield Road/ Aberford Road/ Barrowby Lane/ Main Street) has existing capacity issues that would potentially be exacerbated by the traffic associated with the proposed food store.”

It also says there are concerns about the servicing and delivery arrangements for the development, which would include a car park and landscaping.

Residents have expressed fears about a potential rise in traffic levels on Wakefield Road and Town End as well as the effect of increased competition on existing independent traders on Main Street.

Coun Dobson, meanwhile, is worried that the addition of new hard-standing material could have an impact on what he describes as “the already substantial flooding issues in west Garforth”.

A supporting statement submitted with Netto’s planning application says the scheme has been designed to create an “attractive environment” and would add to the “overall quality of the area”.

Another discount retailer, Lidl, has announced plans to build a new store on Aberford Road in Garforth.