McDonald's plan for former pub unanimously rejected

Councillors voted to reject the plans at the site of the former Old Red Lion in Whinmoor

McDonald's has been refused permission to convert a derelict pub in Leeds into a fast food restaurant for the second time.

The company failed to convince councillors to allow the demolition of the former Old Red Lion in Whinmoor to make way for an outlet and drive-through.

A motion to refuse permission on road safety and public health grounds was passed unanimously at a meeting at Leeds Civic Hall on Thursday.

McDonald's was previously refused planning permission for the site on York Road last year.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, concerns were raised over the impact on traffic if the development went ahead.

Leeds City Council said the outlet would also be within walking distance of two schools and would not promote healthy lifestyles.

Jonathan Wallace, representing McDonald's, argued the scheme included road safety improvements.

"We don't anticipate that the restaurant would attract significant trade from children walking to and from school," he added.

The 260-year-old pub closed in 2021 and had since become a target for vandalism.

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