Newsletter for August 2026
In this issue 1. Message from the Chair 2. Cross-boundary Housing Proposals – Latest 3. Parking Charges Update 4. Leeds Woodland Consultation 5. Privas Way Petrol Station 6. Lidl development on the former Mercure Hotel site 7. Wetherby Festival - Tickets on Sale! 8. Wetherby History Series – Final Talk 9. Appeal for Volunteers to join BW Steering Group |
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Message From the Chairman |
Welcome to our latest newsletter. During this summer of record breaking temperatures and destructive wildfires, Better Wetherby has remained fully engaged with the latest chapter in the long running Hallam/Stockeld Park saga. The hearing for this application to build on the town boundary has again been deferred. It now appears unlikely to reach the North Yorkshire Planning Committee for several weeks. You will find a fuller update in the newsletter.
There is no change regarding two other proposals to build on the boundary. We still await planning applications from Miller Homes and Gladman Developments.
The public consultation on the Leeds Local Plan has recently concluded, and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond. The newsletter also includes details of another important consultation — the creation of Leeds Woodland and the planting of additional trees across the city.
We also report on Leeds City Council’s review of the parking charges introduced last year in Wetherby. Encouragingly, it seems that the considerable opposition to these charges is being heard.
In addition, there are updates on the lapsed application for a petrol station on Privas Way and on the plans to demolish the former Mercure Hotel and replace it with a new Lidl store and care home.
You will also find information about the ever-popular annual Wetherby Festival, which begins in just a few weeks’ time.
Finally, an appeal. Having been involved since Better Wetherby was formed in 2018, I encourage residents to consider joining the Steering Committee. As with any organisation, we need to plan for the future, particularly succession for the roles of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. You will find details in the newsletter. If you feel able to commit some time and would like to learn more, please make contact at News@betterwetherby.com
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Brian Taylor Acting Chair, Better Wetherby.
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CROSS-BOUNDARY HOUSING PROPOSALS - LATEST |
Plan showing three sites, Miller Homes; Hallam/Stockeld Park; Gladman - marked in red |
HALLAM/STOCKELD PARK (210 homes) - Hearing Deferred One of the three major cross boundary proposals which remain a central focus for Better Wetherby, this contentious application to build 210 homes on the boundary with Wetherby was submitted in June 2025. It was listed for hearing by the North Yorkshire Strategic Planning Committee on the 11 th August. When the date was announced, the planning officer’s report, recommending approval, was published on the NYC website. The report can be seen at the link: 25.02006.OUTMAJ - Land at Harrogate Road - FINAL.pdf After a thorough review, representations were made to highlight omissions and important points that required additional information or clarification. Subsequently, the hearing was deferred to allow time for the necessary work to be carried out. Better Wetherby will continue to monitor the situation and advise of the new hearing date when announced. Please be assured that Better Wetherby, Ward Councillors, Wetherby Town Council, the Civic Society, Spofforth Park Management Group and Kirk Deighton Parish Council are united in opposition to this application and also the other cross-boundary proposals by Miller Homes (100 new homes) and Gladman Developments (593 new homes).
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LEEDS WOODLAND CONSULTATION – OPEN UNTIL 28 TH AUGUST 2026 – HAVE YOUR SAY In 2019, Leeds declared a climate emergency. To assist in strengthening local biodiversity and improve green corridors, millions of trees will be planted in the city over 25 years. Consultation opened on 28th July until 28 h August 2026 for Woodland Creation sites to be considered for 2026/27 planting. |
PROPOSED PETROL STATION ON PRIVAS WAY – APPLICATION REF 21/05225/FU |
Despite local opposition, approval was given to an application made in 2021 for a petrol station to be built on Privas Way. Some initial work led to the removal of the former hedge and boundary planting. The loss of this screening has exposed an unattractive section of the site, including derelict caravans and temporary boundary fencing. This eyesore has, understandably, generated complaints from local residents. Planning permission for the petrol station has now lapsed. This means the consent can no longer be implemented. Any future proposal needs to be the subject of a fresh planning application. As yet, no new application has been submitted. Better Wetherby understands that possible options to improve the appearance of the site and secure a more appropriate long-term boundary are currently being explored. |
LIDL STORE DEVELOPMENT ON THE FORMER MERCURE HOTEL SITE - UPDATE |
Many residents will have noticed that the former Mercure Hotel building at one of the main gateways into Wetherby is continuing to deteriorate and looking increasingly derelict. The proposed redevelopment of the site, comprising a Lidl food store, an 84-bed care home and eight senior living homes, was approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate in late 2024. Since then, the developers have been working through the various planning conditions and technical approvals that must be satisfied before construction can begin. More recently, the developers have submitted an application seeking amendments to elements of the approved scheme. These proposals are currently being considered through the planning process and residents will no doubt wish to form their own views on the changes being proposed. The developers have also advised that they have completed approved tree works on the site and are keen to move forward with demolition of the existing hotel building. They report increasing problems with trespassing and anti-social behaviour within the building and understandably wish to remove both the safety risks and the visual blight created by the empty structure. One important aspect of the Planning Inspector's decision is that the development is required to be delivered in phases, with the care home and senior living accommodation being constructed before the Lidl store can open. This was a significant element of the approved scheme and helps ensure that the wider care-led redevelopment is delivered alongside the retail development. At the time of writing, no construction start date has been announced. However, the project does appear to be continuing to move through the necessary planning and approval stages. Better Wetherby will continue to monitor progress and provide further updates as more information becomes available. |
PARKING CHARGES UPDATE: FULL REVIEW BY LCC TO BE CARRIED OUT |
Leeds City Council has now formally agreed to carry out a full review of the parking charges introduced last autumn in several district‑centre car parks, including Wetherby’s Wilderness and Station Gardens sites. The review will examine: Financial performance of the car parks Usage levels since charges were introduced Effects on local businesses, volunteers, and town‑centre vitality Operational costs and wider budget considerations
A public consultation will form part of the process, giving residents and businesses another opportunity to share their views. The Council has indicated that initial findings will be reported to the Executive Board in November 2026, after which any proposed changes will be considered. |
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WETHERBY FESTIVAL - TICKETS NOW ON SALE Another wonderful programme has been organised for the 2026 Festival. It starts on Friday, 2nd October and runs to Saturday, 10th October. It includes comedy, theatre, musical events, craft, art and poetry, along with four film screenings at our superb local cinema. It’s always a highlight of the local calendar, so please take a look at the programme. It will be included in the free Excelle magazine which will be distributed to local households over the next few weeks. The programme can also be seen on the festival website and Facebook page: |
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WETHERBY HISTORY SERIES – FINAL TALK ON 2ND SEPTEMBER The final talk in this excellent series organised by Wetherby u3a, will take place on Wednesday September 2nd at 2.30pm. Lesley Newnham will be speaking on the topic of “Almost Forgotten – Victorian & Edwardian Movers and Shakers in Wetherby.” Venue – Wetherby Methodist Church, followed by refreshments in the Church Hall. Free entry. |
AN APPEAL – VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SHAPE BETTER WETHERBY’S FUTURE Since it was formed in 2018, Better Wetherby has brought local people together to champion our town’s character and community. To keep that momentum strong, we’re looking for volunteers who might be interested in joining the Steering Group to help plan the next phase of our development.
We’re seeking people who care about Wetherby and could, in time, support key roles such as Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer. We have a group meeting every 2 months (7pm) which usually lasts 1 hour so there is not too much pull on you time.
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Please feel free to share this newsletter - the more people that are aware of these important local issues, the better. BetterWetherby, Wetherby, LS22 6NE, United Kingdom |
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