City grants planning permission for arena

Leeds City Council's city centre plans panel granted outline planning permission yesterday, subject to conditions, for plans to construct the arena in Claypit Lane in the heart of the city.

Coun Andrew Carter, the leader of Leeds City Council and executive member responsible for city development said: "This is great news and another very positive step forward in delivering the city region's long-term ambition for an arena in Leeds.

"Being granted outline planning permission provides the council with a strong platform to finalise the arena design.

"We will soon be in a position to announce the preferred contractor to build the arena and are now well on target for construction to start by the end of the year."

Last year almost 10m of funding for the arena pledged by development agency Yorkshire Forward was approved by the Government, prompting anger from Sheffield businesses and MPs who fear it could dent visitor numbers for the Sheffield Arena.

The Leeds Arena auditorium is planned to be flexible enough to accommodate a range of events including music, family entertainment and sporting events, and design work carried out so far promises to give every seat in the house a perfect sight-line to the stage.

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

Experts have estimated the venue will boost the economy by up to 25m a year and create up to 500 jobs once it opens.

The outline planning application is part of a two-stage planning process – the next stage will seek permission for detailed design plans, including external elevations.