Redevelopment of the Mercure Hotel site (LS22 5HE) to provide a Lidl foodstore, an 84‑bed care home and eight senior living homes, with access, parking and landscaping. The scheme was refused by Leeds City Council in October 2023 but allowed on appeal in November 2024, granting full planning permission subject to conditions.
Latest Update: 22 November 2024 – Planning Inspector allows the appeal and grants permission for the phased development (Ref. 23/01507/FU) with conditions listed in Annex 2 of the decision.
Site of Mercure Hotel
Proposed Development.
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Documents & References
Better Wetherby’s View
Our Position
Better Wetherby supports competition and additional services for residents, but opposed this development on this specific site because it conflicts with the adopted Leeds Site Allocations Plan and Wetherby Neighbourhood Plan, both of which indicate the land for housing rather than out‑of‑centre retail.
BW considers the Inspector’s approval to set a concerning precedent for undermining locally prepared plans.
Key Issues & Evidence
Planning Context
Site sits within a wider housing allocation (HG2‑20) in the Leeds Site Allocations Plan (as amended 2024); Inspector acknowledged conflict for the retail element but weighed benefits including older persons’ accommodation. LCC Plans Panel refused the application unanimously (9–0) on 19 Oct 2023; appeal subsequently allowed 22 Nov 2024.
Highways & Transport
Appeal conditions address access, servicing and parking for both foodstore and care uses; Lidl’s scheme material indicates 108 customer parking spaces and on‑site EV charging, with proposed footway/cycleway improvements on Wetherby Road and Boston Road.
Environment & Ecology
Decision conditions require landscaping, tree retention/planting and biodiversity measures; Lidl materials highlight retention of boundary trees/hedgerows and new green buffers.
Community Impact
Inspector concluded the scheme would not harm the vitality and viability of Wetherby town centre, and that care and senior living homes would help meet identified needs for older persons’ housing. BW remains concerned about out‑of‑centre retail precedent and alignment with local plans.
What this development involves
Uses: Demolition of Mercure Hotel; new Lidl foodstore; 84‑bed care home; 8 senior living homes; access, parking, servicing and landscaping.
Applicants/Developers: Lidl GB Ltd and Springfield Healthcare Group Ltd (joint application).
Other Features (as publicised by applicant): Approx. 108 parking spaces including accessible and parent‑and‑child bays; EV rapid chargers. PV panels on the roof; green buffers and planting.
Planning Status: Permission granted on appeal (22 Nov 2024), subject to conditions and phasing. Sequencing Note (per local summary): Completion of the care home and senior housing required before the supermarket opens.
Timeline of events
Nov 2024
Appeal allowed, planning permission granted with conditions.
Mar 2024
Lidl lodges appeal against refusal
Oct 2023
19 Oct 2023: Leeds Plans Panel refuses Lidl application (23/01507/FU) unanimously (9–0)
Oct 2022
Community Consultation Statement (Lichfields) prepared for Lidl & Springfield.
2022
Sainsbury application for a retail store on this site refused by LCC; no appeal pursued.