A recent consultation saw more than three-quarters of the 157 respondents (76%) say that they are in favour of BP’s proposals for 18 covered ultra-fast charging bays on the site of a closed pub on Dewsbury Road in Leeds.

Along with bays for disabled users, 13 vehicle parking spaces and a 323 sq. m retail unit are also proposed as part of plans to regenerate the site, which has been vacant since the pub closed in 2018.

A new access road is also planned with existing trees retained as part of an extensive tree planting and landscaping scheme.

If the project gets the green light, it will see residents benefit from convenient access to new services and facilities as well as drivers on the Bradford Road and Dewsbury Road and the nearby M62 motorway, say planners. It will also address the lack of EV charging facilities in the Leeds area, enabling people to charge their electric vehicles in under 30 minutes.

Almost all of the people who responded to the survey (93%) agreed that the site will benefit from new investment and development, while 71% felt there is a need for more EV charging provision in and around Tingley.

Dozens of construction jobs would also be created during the initial build phase with a further 21 full time jobs in retail and customer services on the cards once the hub goes live.

The news follows a recent announcement by Leeds City Council, which is linking up with EV charge operators to deliver dozens of new charging bays across the city – the first 30 bays at six locations have already gone live. A further 54 bays at nine more locations are due to come on stream by the early summer.

James Cox, associate director at the Leeds office of planning and development consultancy Lichfields, who is overseeing the planning submission, said: ‘The public consultation reveals that there is overwhelming support from local people and stakeholders for the development. It has got to be seen as a positive step in the right direction, bringing a disused site back in to use while creating a much-needed facility and jobs.

‘Sustainability lies at the heart of the proposals, which promise to deliver a host of benefits and contribute to the roll out of EV facilities across Leeds. The scheme is also set within a well-connected landscaped site, complete with all the amenities and functionality demanded by drivers requiring “superfast” charging hubs.’

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