Newly proposed Leeds EV charging hub to create dozens of new “much-needed” jobs

Plans for a new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub on the outskirts of Leeds have been submitted to Leeds City Council following ‘overwhelming’ public approval.

Following a recent consultation, more than three-quarters of respondents (76 per cent) have said that they are in favour of BP’s proposals for 18 covered ultra-fast charging bays on the former site of the White Bear public house on the Dewsbury Road in Leeds.

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

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 per cent) agreed that the site will benefit from new investment and development, while 71 per cent felt there is a need for more EV charging provision in and around Tingley.

A new access road is also planned with existing trees retained as part of an extensive tree planting and landscaping scheme. 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, commented: “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 into 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.” If the project is approved, onsite work could start towards the end of 2023.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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