Leeds shop’s plans to sell pizzas rejected over noise and parking fears

A sandwich shop has been blocked from selling hot pizzas after the plan was opposed by people living nearby.

Leeds City Council refused a planning application for Woodside Stores in Horsforth to operate as a hot food takeaway.

Nine letters of objection were received, raising concerns over potential noise, odour and litter from the shop on Paradise Place.

One said: “Evening sales will impact on residential amenity in terms of noise and disturbance, especially after 9pm.”

Objectors also said a lack of customer parking spaces could lead to traffic congestion in the surrounding area.

A council report said: “Customers would consequently be likely to park on Paradise Place, on the footway, around the arm of the roundabout or on Low Lane, where demand for residents’ on-street parking is already high.”

The report said burgers and fries could also be sold from the new takeaway between 6pm and 11pm.

Plans for the site included the installation of an electric pizza oven.

A design report by the applicant said: “This application seeks permission to continue the existing sandwich shop while introducing freshly made pizzas prepared from the existing rear kitchen.

“The proposal is to expand the existing menu rather than replace the existing business.”

A change of use of the shop was not expected to significantly impact neighbouring properties, the applicant said.

They said: “The proposal makes use of the existing premises and kitchen facilities while supporting the continued operation of a long-established local business.”

Council planning officers recommended that the application was refused.

Their report said: “The proposed change of use to a hot food takeaway is considered unacceptable due to impact both on highway safety and residential amenity.

“The proposal does therefore not comply with national and local policy and is refused.”