McDonald’s submits revised drive-thru plans for former Old Red Lion pub site in Leeds
Revised plans for a new fast food restaurant at a former pub in Whinmoor have been submitted to Leeds City Council.
McDonald's has submitted an updated proposal for a drive-thru restaurant at the former Old Red Lion Pub site in Whinmoor in northeast Leeds.
Attempts for the company to take over the address have been refused twice so far, most recently in April 2025.
According to McDonald’s, the new plans have sought to address the reasons for previous refusals, including amending highway access from Baildon Drive, rather than the previously proposed York Road.
If approved, the new restaurant would replace the public house, which has deteriorated since its closure in 2021, with a new restaurant featuring indoor and outdoor seating, a drive-thru, parking, and soft and hard landscaping.
McDonald’s also said the construction of a new restaurant would create up to 90 new jobs while generating around £51,000 in business rates every year for the council.
Phil Isherwood, Senior Acquisitions Surveyor at McDonald’s said: “We were disappointed when our previous proposals for a restaurant in Whinmoor were refused by Leeds City Council. However, we have acknowledged the reasons for refusal and revised our proposals to address them.
“We now have an improved application which, if approved, will bring McDonald’s popular offer to the Whinmoor community.
“We look forward to our plans being considered by Leeds City Council planners. We hope that the changes we have made, along with the wider benefits of our proposals, will be recognised and result in a positive resolution to grant permission.”
Leeds City Council is expected to make a decision on the plans in the coming months.