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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Lucy Marshall

Exciting future set for Armley eyesore in Leeds ravaged by vandalism and arson

An abandoned former medical centre in Armley is set to be transformed into a new housing lot.

The derelict site in Theaker Lane was subject to an arson attack back in 2018 and has become a magnet for antisocial behaviour and vandalism. At the time, the incident was dubbed a "wake up call" for Leeds City Council.

There have been plans in place to transform the spot into accommodation for a while. Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves asked the council to bring this building, and other abandoned Armley buildings, back to life. .

Read more: Terrifying moment group of yobs attack Leeds cyclist and shine torch in her eyes

Previous unsuccessful plans for the Theaker Lane clinic site include a 22-bed hostel with six kitchens in 2016. But now, it looks likely it will be developed into around eight new homes.

And in an Armley Forum meeting on Wednesday (March 16) it was confirmed the reality is "inching closer". Now it has been revealed that a potential developer has showcased their interest in developing the site into a new residential spot.

The talks are ahead of a formal planning application being submitted. Council planning officer Adam Ward said: “It is inching closer.

Theaker Lane's former medical centre was subject to an arson attack and vandalism for years (Facebook/Chaotic Footsteps)

"I’m hoping the architect will reduce the number of units and up the quality of the potential development as we need to get that area redeveloped. I hope they listen as it could be a positive scheme.”

Mr Ward said any developer would be asked to contribute towards providing off-site green space in the area.

Mr Smith said the council was working with the developer to discharge some of the conditions attached to the planning permission but admitted he was unsure whether the developer planned to carry out the development themselves or sell the land with planning permission onto another party.

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