An ex-rugby player has hit out at “unreasonable and inflexible” council officers, who’ve opposed his plan to build new visitor accommodation in Headingley.
Alex Ball wants to convert Headingley’s derelict old community centre and library into an eight-bed aparthotel – a cross between apartments and a hotel. Mr Ball, who played rugby league for Bradford Bulls around a decade ago, said his proposal would bring the eyesore of a building back to life, having been empty for more than 10 years.
Headingley’s local councillors have backed the plan, but Leeds City Council’s planning officers say it should be refused. They claim the proposed addition of an extra floor and the design of a new roof would be harmful to the appearance of the building, which is not listed but is in a conservation area.
