Fire-hit club demolition urged over safety risk

Fears have been raised that a fire-damaged former Conservative club poses a "danger to life" unless it is urgently demolished.

Leeds City Council has been asked to approve new plans to knock down the derelict Armley Conservative Club.

An engineer's report said the site on Armley Ridge Road was in a worsening state and trespassers were at risk from falling debris.

A previous demolition scheme for the buildings was refused permission last August over its impact on the Armley Conservation Area.

The report by DART Engineers said the buildings had sustained "catastrophic structural damage" as a result of a fire and could not be made safe through repair.

It noted the site had previously been secured but trespasses had broken into the buildings.

It said: "The structure presents a significant and immediate danger to life, particularly given the evidence of trespass.

"Demolition is strongly recommended without delay to prevent potential injury or death from trespassing parties."

Plans for eleven terraced homes at the former club site were blocked by Leeds City Council in 2024, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The current application to demolish the club is out for consultation until 8 June.

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