Don Mort
Verified- Local Democracy Reporter, Yorkshire Evening Post
- Local Democracy Reporter, Asian Standard News
- Local Democracy Reporter, Asian Standard Leeds
- Local Democracy Reporter, Telegraph and Argus
Leeds
Local Democracy Reporter, Leeds
don.mort@newsquest.co.uk
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Articles by Don Mort
McDonald's bids for 260-year-old pub refused - demolition now on the cards
Don Mort Thu, 12 November 2026 at 5:21 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Old Red Lion (Image: Google) A derelict former pub could be redeveloped by a new owner after plans were twice refused to turn the site into a McDonald's. New plans have been drawn up to knock down the Old Red Lion on York Road in Whinmoor, east Leeds. The 260-year-old pub closed in 2021 and became an eyesore after being targeted by vandals.
Metro Bank plans new Leeds city centre branch with illuminated signs and ATM
Don Mort Thu, 12 November 2026 at 5:03 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. 2 A Commercial Street, Leeds. Google Image (Image: Google) A new bank looks set to open in the city centre as a finance firm seeks to buck a national trend of branch closures. Metro Bank sought permission from Leeds City Council for alterations to a shop unit at 2 Commercial Street. Plans were approved for illuminated signage and advertising, along with a new ATM machine.
Plans submitted for new sports facilities at Leeds student accommodation complex
A student housing complex in Leeds could be provided with new sports and fitness facilities if planning permission is granted. Housing provider Homes for Students has applied to Leeds City Council to install a multi-use games area (MUGA) at Clarence Dock. The company said students living at the 600-bed Clarence Road complex in Hunslet had asked for more sports facilities. The MUGA would add to existing facilities, which include a gym, cinema room, laundry room, communal lounge and outdoor space.
Leeds council blocks plans to turn historic listed building into 17-bed shared house
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£46.1m Leeds Station entrance transformation finally complete after four years
A multi-million-pound transformation of the entrance to Leeds Station is fully complete – four years after engineering work started. The £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, originally due to be finished in autumn 2025, was officially opened on 09 November 2026. Work on the project, which includes pedestrian routes, passenger lifts and a new taxi rank, started in 2022.
New Leeds bar and restaurant granted alcohol licence despite noise objections
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Leeds council blocks 17-bed HMO conversion of historic Matthew Murray House
Don Mort Tue, 10 November 2026 at 4:24 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Matthew Murray House. Google image. (Image: Google) The conversion of a historic former industrial building into a 17-bed shared house has been blocked by the council. Objections were raised to latest plans for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) at Grade II-listed Matthew Murray house in Holbeck.
Historic Leeds tennis club plans £500,000 expansion with new padel courts
A historic Leeds tennis club is seeking to create new padel courts to meet demand for the fast-growing sport. Chapel Allerton Tennis and Squash Club has asked Leeds City Council for permission to upgrade its facilities. An existing traditional tennis court would be converted into two padel courts under the proposals. Floodlights would also be erected around two all-weather tennis courts at the club on Wensley Avenue under separate plans submitted to the council.
Leeds pubs and bars to sign up to new safety scheme amid Otley Run complaints
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Leeds bars asked to sign up to scheme promoting safer nights out
Pubs and bars will be asked to sign up to a new set of standards designed to make nights out in the city safer. Venues that sign the Leeds Standards – Safe and Sound scheme will make a commitment to promote welcoming spaces and challenge harmful behaviour. It is set to be initially launched in the city centre and Otley Run, where complaints have been made of rowdy behaviour among pub crawlers. A council report said venues would be encouraged to spot vulnerable people in need of help.
£46.1 million Leeds station transformation fully opens after 4 years of work
A multi-million pound transformation of the entrance to Leeds Station is fully complete – four years after engineering work started. The £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, first due to be finished in autumn last year, was officially opened today (November 9). Work on the project, which includes pedestrian routes, passenger lifts and a new taxi rank, started in 2022.
Historic cottage in Middleton to be auctioned by Leeds council
A historic cottage in south Leeds is set to be sold by the council and the proceeds split with a charity. Leeds City Council has decided to auction the property at 228 Town Street on the edge of Middleton Park. The derelict former council house was deemed surplus to requirements and will be bought by the council from Wade's Charity before being put on the market. The council has been leasing the whole of Middleton Park from the charity, which provides community grants, since 1920.
Former Harehills church could become shops and flats under new plans
A former church could be turned into shops and flats if plans can be agreed with the city council. Plans have been drawn up for a conversion of the vacant building at 31 Ashley Road in Harehills. Three retail units and three self-contained apartments would be created if Leeds City Council agrees to planning permission. A design report by Riyat Associates said the scheme would bring an under-used community building back into use.
Plot of council land in Leeds put up for auction and could make way for homes
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Leeds council to auction Rothwell land with potential for new housing
The sale of a plot of land could make way for housing after council bosses decided to put the site up for auction. Leeds City Council said the land on All Saints Road in Rothwell was surplus to requirements. The site near the A642 Aberford Road is set to go up for auction and could be redeveloped, a council report said. The sale would raise cash for the authority and relieve the council of future maintenance costs.
Former furniture shop in Beeston Hill approved for hot food takeaway with 10 jobs
A former furniture shop can be converted into a hot food takeaway after plans were agreed with the council. Planners at Leeds City Council approved an application for a change of use of the premises at Beeston hill. A new shopfront and extraction unit were proposed as part of the planning application for the site at Hillside Buildings. Planning documents said jobs would be created at the new food outlet, set to be open from 11am-11pm daily.
Leeds nightclub could become spa and wellness centre under new plans
A historic building and nightclub could be turned into a spa and wellness centre if plans are agreed with the council. Plans have been drawn up for a change of use of the premises at 9 East Parade in Leeds city centre. The ground floor of the Grade II-listed building would be converted if planning permission is agreed by Leeds City Council. A design report said the building was used as a drinking establishment.
Sports ground to get new floodlit football, basketball and netball PlayZone
A sports ground is set to be redeveloped after planning permission and grant funding was agreed. Leeds City Council will improve a games site on Oak Road in Armley in partnership with sports charity the Football Foundation. Existing facilities will be transformed into a new multi-use- games area (MUGA) at the ground, known as Jailey Fields and near HMP Armley.
Four Leeds cemetery chapels go on market for combined £350,000-plus
Four chapels at cemeteries around the city have gone on the market for a combined price of at least £350,000. The buildings in Horsforth, Harehills, Armley and Otley were deemed surplus to requirements by Leeds City Council. The chapel in Harehills was given the highest valuation at £170,000 when the sites were listed for auction. Auction site BTG Eddisons said the building on Kimberley Road could be redeveloped.
Parking fees in five town centres to be scrapped
Follow Parking fees in five town centres to be scrapped Don Mort - Local Democracy Reporting Service Wed, November 4, 2026 at 8:48 AM EST Several car parks in Leeds charge for stays longer than an hour [HEIDI TOMLINSON/BBC] Charges in a number of town centre car parks around Leeds have been scrapped after a public consultation was held. The charges - of up to £3.65 a day - were introduced last October in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell and Guiseley.
Leeds council to spend £1.35m fixing failing heating systems in two high-rise blocks
Failing heating systems at two high-rise blocks will be fixed at a cost to the council of more than £1.3m. Leeds City Council said work was needed at Potternewton Heights in Chapel Allerton and Holborn Towers, Woodhouse, to prevent residents going cold this winter. A council report said the company which originally installed air source heat pumps at the flats had gone into administration. Clade Engineering Systems would be contracted to carry out the repair works for £1.35m.
Four cemetery chapels put up for auction
Follow Four cemetery chapels put up for auction Don Mort - Local Democracy Reporting Service Wed, November 4, 2026 at 4:49 AM EST Four cemetery chapels put up for auction Four cemetery chapels in Leeds have been put up for auction for a combined price of about £350,000. The buildings in Horsforth, Harehills, Armley and Otley are no longer needed by Leeds City Council, which said they were under-used and too costly to maintain.
Horsforth and Armley among cemetery chapels on market as council seeks to raise £350k
By Don Mort, local democracy reporter Four chapels at cemeteries around Leeds have gone on the market for a combined price of at least £350,000. The buildings in Horsforth, Harehills, Armley and Otley were deemed surplus to requirements by Leeds City Council. The chapel in Harehills was given the highest valuation at £170,000 when the sites were listed for auction. Auction site BTG Eddisons said the building on Kimberley Road could be redeveloped. Hill Top Cemetery in Armley.
Leeds parking charges scrapped in six town-centre car parks after consultation
Parking charges in town centres around the city have been scrapped after a public consultation was held. Leeds City Council introduced the unpopular fees in Wetherby, Horsforth, Garforth, Rothwell and Guiseley. Last year the cash-strapped authority said it needed to raise funds from the charges of up to £3.65 a day. James Gibson, Labour's executive member for environment, said the charges would be abolished with effect from November 9.
Otley Run hotspot launches appeal after Leeds Council rejects controversial bar plans
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Taylor's Sports Bar appeals refusal to fully operate as a bar on Otley Run route
A venue on the Otley Run pub crawl has lodged an appeal after being refused permission to fully operate as a bar. The management of Taylor's Sports Bar and Grill have formally disputed the decision by Leeds City Council. Retrospective planning permission was sought for change of use from a restaurant to a bar, along with expanded food provision and a decked outside seating area. It was refused in September by council planners who cited road safety concerns on Otley Road.
Six padel courts approved for vacant Leeds warehouse with 12 jobs set to be created
Padel courts will be created in a converted warehouse after plans were approved by the city council. The fast-growing racket sport will be enjoyed at a new sports centre on Carr Crofts Drive in Armley after planning permission was given. Power Padel Group Ltd applied to Leeds City Council to convert a vacant building at the industrial site. Six padel courts are set to be open from 6am-11pm daily as part of the project, which includes a cafe-bar area, rooftop solar panels and car parking spaces.
Former Dirty Martini bar could become new Leeds live music venue
A former bar in a historic city centre building could be re-opened as live music venue if plans are agreed with the council. Plans have been drawn up for a refurbishment at Grade-II listed Atlas House, formerly Dirty Martini bar. The site at 31 King Street would be brought back into use as The Room Where It Happens if Leeds City Council agrees to planning permission. A design report said the development would secure the long-term use of the building, which dates back to 1910.
Watchdog avoids being scrapped after government decision reversed
An independent health watchdog has avoided being scrapped after a government decision was reversed. Healthwatch Leeds will continue to provide support and advice to NHS patients in the city. Fears were raised over a lack of accountability in the health system after the government planned to abolish England's Healthwatch organisations. A campaign was launched and people were urged to write to their MPs. Now health secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to retain and strengthen the groups.
Former Dirty Martini bar could become new Leeds live music venue
Don Mort Thu, 29 October 2026 at 4:11 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Atlas House. Pic By Dakota House Of Design (Image: Dakota House Of Design) A former bar in a historic city centre building could be re-opened as live music venue if plans are agreed with the council. Plans have been drawn up for a refurbishment at Grade-II listed Atlas House, formerly Dirty Martini bar.
ITV seeks to continue Emmerdale set tours
The producers of Emmerdale are hoping to continue its popular visitor tours which generate millions of pounds a year. The set of the Yorkshire-based soap in Harewood, Leeds, attracts more than 40,000 visitors a year and fans can see behind the scenes of the fictional Emmerdale village, home to the famous Dingle family.
ITV seeks to continue lucrative Emmerdale Village visitor tours in Leeds
The makers of TV drama Emmerdale are seeking to continue running popular visitor tours which generate millions of pounds a year. ITV Studios has applied to the council to keeping welcoming fans to the production set in Harewood after current planning permission expires. More than 40,000 people visit the iconic site near Leeds every year, contributing £7.7m to the tourist economy.
Major changes planned for Aldi store at busy Leeds retail park
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ITV seeks to continue lucrative Emmerdale Village visitor tours in Leeds
Don Mort Wed, 28 October 2026 at 3:54 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Emmerdale Village. Google Image. (Image: Google) The makers of TV drama Emmerdale are seeking to continue running popular visitor tours which generate millions of pounds a year. ITV Studios has applied to the council to keeping welcoming fans to the production set in Harewood after current planning permission expires.
Chicken shop refused permission to open until 3am - here's why
A grilled chicken venue has been blocked from opening until 3am after the police and council opposed the move. Fears were raised over a possible increase in anti-social behaviour and littering if Pepe's Piri Piri in Beeston was granted extended hours. The national fast-food chain, which does not sell alcohol, applied to Leeds City Council for a late-night refreshment licence.
30 more minutes allowed at city centre sports bar say council
A city centre sports bar has been allowed changes to its licence including later opening times under an agreement with the council. Toast Sports Pub And Kitchen applied to Leeds City Council to stay open for an extra 30 minutes each day. Councillors were told last orders would remain at the same time at the venue at West Point on Wellington Street, but the variation would allow customers adequate drinking up time.
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