PLANS for a 500-capacity pub in the former Elinor Lupton Centre on Headingley lane have hit another snag, following a licensing panel refusing to grant the building’s owners J.D Wetherspoon a license to sell alcohol in the premises.
The tireless campaigning of twenty-odd local residents and two dogs have ensured that the historic building will remain derelict, unsightly, and of no public amenity for potential years to come
The tireless campaigning of twenty-odd local residents and two dogs have ensured that the historic building will remain derelict, unsightly, and of no public amenity for potential years to come, in a move that is thought to create as many as 0 employment opportunities for local residents.
The licensing panel decided not to grant a licence to sell alcohol on the premises on Friday 9 December, following an application by J.D. Wetherspoon - who have owned the building since 2014 - in October.
“ln the committee’s view, the application would be likely to add to the cumulative impact on the crime and disorder and public nuisance objectives.” the panel explained in its official decision.
Headingley Network community association leader Lesley Jeffries responded by saying that “The panel has recognised that this community suffers enough from the consequences of alcohol consumption and has put a stop to the expansion of vertical drinking in our area.” - although dozens of Headingley residents took to the internet to express frustration that the building will continue to go unused.
J.D. Wetherspoon have stated they’re considering the full decision and will decide what their next course of action will be - who knows, maybe a 500-capacity alcohol-free pub could be coming to your neighbourhood?
That, or it’ll just continue to rot like it has done for years.
