Otley Run: Sports bar refused permission to operate as bar

The management of Taylor’s Sports Bar and Grill in Headingley said they were planning to appeal against the decision by Leeds City Council.

Retrospective planning permission was refused after changes to the venue’s premises licence were separately agreed in July 2025.

The council said the planning decision did not automatically require the premises to cease trading, but enforcement action could be taken.

The Otley Road venue is near the start of the pub crawl, which has attracted complaints of rowdy behaviour among thousands of revellers at weekends.

Donovan Ather, general manager of Taylor’s, said: “Obviously, we are very disappointed.

“We are instructing our consultants to lodge an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.”

Back-dated permission for change of use from a restaurant to a bar with expanded food provision would have allowed for alterations including a decked seating area.

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Council documents show local opinion was split over the planning application, with 107 letters of support and 160 objections.

Those in favour said Taylor’s supported community sports teams and provided free Christmas dinners for pensioners.

One said: “Basically Taylor’s is a community hub where people can meet up safely.

“The outside decking area is a lovely addition where patrons can sit and watch the world go by. In summer it’s a lovely area to sit.”

Objectors included Labour Weetwood councillors Julie Heselwood, Emma Flint and Izaak Wilson.

They raised concerns over the impact of overcrowding, noise, littering and drunkenness on people living nearby

An objector wrote: “The levels of noise nuisance, shouting and anti-social behaviour is totally unprecedented in this area and is an outstanding example of the harm that is being done to Headingley and its residents.”

Council highways officers raised safety objections, saying the bar caused  drinkers to drift across Otley Road, away from designated crossing points.

A council spokesperson said: “The retrospective planning application for the change of use and associated alterations at Taylor’s Sports Bar was refused planning permission.

“The council is currently considering enforcement action.”

The council pointed out that licensing and planning permissions were separate matters under the law.

The spokesperson said: “The refusal of planning permission does not automatically require the business to cease trading.

“Nor does it automatically affect any premises licence issued under separate licensing legislation, including a licence to serve alcohol.

“The applicant has the right to appeal the refusal of planning permission.”