McDonald’s advances Whinmoor ambitions

The fast food giant has submitted plans for a restaurant at the former Old Red Lion plot on the corner of Baildon Drive and York Road.

If approved, the plans would deliver a new McDonald’s restaurant featuring indoor and outdoor seating, as well as on-site car parking, cycle storage and soft and hard landscaping.

McDonald’s held a community consultation in February. The plans will now be considered by Leeds City Council’s planning department.

The group is in acquisition mode this year, advancing projects including an outlet in Clayton-le-Woods, Lancashire, also on a former pub site.

Although the Old Red Lion is a historic pub, dating back around a quarter of a century, it has lain derelict and in an increasing state of disrepair since its most recent operator had their licence revoked in 2021.

Phil Isherwood, senior acquisitions surveyor at McDonald’s, said: “We are pleased with the level of engagement we have had from the community regarding our proposals for Whinmoor. It is clear from the feedback we have received that a McDonald’s restaurant in this area would be welcomed by many.

“We have wanted to expand our offering of amazing value and high-quality food in Whinmoor for some time and we are thrilled that our plans to regenerate this vacant, conveniently-located site have now been submitted.

“As part of our plans, we will submit detailed traffic impact assessments to account for the effects the development may have on local roads. Our operational plans will also explain how we will manage litter around the site, ensuring that we are a considerate neighbour.”

McDonalds has more than 1,400 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, employing around 180,000 people.