Arena plans expected to be given green light by council

Members of Leeds City Council's city centre plans panel will meet to decide whether to back recommendations by council officers that the arena is given the green light, subject to conditions.

Last year almost 10m of funding for the arena pledged by development agency Yorkshire Forward was approved by the Government.

Sheffield businesses and MPs reacted angrily to the decision as they fear it will hit the existing Sheffield Arena.

But on Monday councillors will meet to decide whether to back the council's planning application for the arena, which it wants to build on Clay Pit Lane, Leeds.

A report to members says: "This application is brought to the plans panel because of the significant cultural and economic importance of the arena to the city and due to its role in regenerating the site and surrounding area."

The authority wants to build a 12,500 seat arena, which could be increased to seat 13,500, although the report says many of the events at the arena are unlikely to be full capacity.

It is proposed the arena auditorium would be flexible to accommodate a range of events including music, family entertainment and sporting events.

It would have restaurants, bars and retail concessions, which would be open at event times and a restaurant which would open independently of arena opening hours.

A new access road and footpath would also be built if the plans are backed.

There will be no car parking, other than disabled spaces, and visitors will be encouraged to use public transport. People will also be able to park in nearby city centre car parks.

The report says the building and operation of the arena will generate noise but says working hours will be controlled.

It adds: "It is expected that entertainment noise would not be audible in nearby residential properties at any time."