'Minimal space' Leeds launderette plans blocked
Plans to open a launderette in Leeds have been blocked after the council raised road safety concerns.
Planning permission was refused for change of use of an industrial unit in Cross Green.
Seven washing machines would have been installed in the new facility on Easy Road, according to planning documents.
A design report said: “The nature of a launderette, with relatively short, staggered visits and minimal staff presence, means that the proposed use will not result in excessive traffic generation or demand for long-stay parking.”
But Leeds City Council said cars could overspill into surrounding streets as customers sought places to park.
An existing forecourt at the site would be shared with a car sales business, raising concerns of overcrowding.
A planning officer’s report said: “It is clear that there is minimal space for vehicle parking to the front of the premises, as the forecourt is small and typically full of vehicles for sale.
“Consequently, there is limited or no available space on-site for off-street car parking for the proposed laundrette use.”
There were also concerns over how waste would be stored and collected at the site, the report said.
It said: “The increase in parking pressure would also likely result in disruption and frustration for the parking of local residents.”