Application for McDonalds on Wilkos site

Working jointly with our Labour colleagues in Headingley and Hyde Park, and Alex Sobel MP, we have objected to the proposed new McDonalds on the site of the old Wilkos.

We do not think that this is consistent with the Headingley Neighbourhood Plan, which was passed with a democratic vote in 2023.

Policy TC1, which is encouraging a mix of uses for Headingley town centre, states, “Uses which diversify and improve the vitality of the local centre to broaden its attractiveness to shoppers and visitors”.

There are a wide range of comparable options in the immediate vicinity, plus on one delivery site, JustEat, there are 712 alternative takeaways options available at the postcode LS6 2UE, including, “McDonald’s - Leeds - Kirkstall”, “McDonald’s - Horsforth - Leeds”, “McDonald’s - Leeds (St John’s Centre)” and “McDonald’s - Leeds (Oakwood)”.

It therefore cannot be argued that a fifth McDonald’s being available would diversify the local centre.