Community centre to become temporary GP surgery after village practice shuts
East Leeds community centre gets new role after village GP surgery closes
A community centre can be converted into a temporary doctor’s surgery after a village lost its GP practice.
Plans have been approved for the temporary use of Manor House Community Centre in Scholes for NHS services.
Patients have been travelling outside of the east Leeds village after Scholes Surgery, on Main Street, closed in April.
Now the community centre on Belle Vue Road will be used by doctors for three years after Leeds City Council granted planning permission.
A council planning officer’s report said letters of support and objection were received.
Objectors were concerned over the loss of the community centre and increased traffic.
But those in favour, including Conservative councillor Ryan Stephenson, said the scheme would help vulnerable people who had limited access to public transport.
Coun Stephenson wrote: “The proposal would have a significant benefit to the local community following the closure of the previous doctor’s surgery in April 2026.
“It is further noted that the surgery was closed due to the owners wishing to sell the property, and not to do with any lack of demand for medical services within the village.”
The proposal was also supported by Barwick and Scholes Parish Council.
A letter from the parish council said: “There has been strong opposition to the loss of the former surgery on Main Street.
“At the same time some residents are opposed to the potential loss of a valued community space at the Manor House.”
Parish councillors said the Scholes population was older the the population of Leeds and more likely to be affected by health problems.
They said: “Therefore medical provision within the village is highly valued.
“The parish council are also encouraged by the ward councillors undertaking to provide and fund a temporary building to the rear of the Manor House to house community events.”