But locals couldn't help but notice that whilst this application had received serious backlash for its potential to build congestion around the already busy road and add to antisocial behaviour on the Otley Run - there's another fast food burger chain opening just down the road.
Work began on Burger King Headingley and the arrival of the worldwide chain was announced just a few short weeks ago when signage went up on Headingley Arndale Centre on Otley Road - and its thought that the new burger spot will be open in no time at all.
Burger King is due to open soon in Headingley. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
So what's the difference between the two?
According to local councillors of Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse - it comes down to the seating areas and delivery (or lack of) for each company.
The McDonalds opening had hoped to open entirely as a takeaway and delivery station. The idea would have been that those wanting to grab a Big Mac on their way back from work or mid-pub crawl would have ordered, but had nowhere to sit to eat their food.
By contrast, when Burger King opens there will be no delivery options at all, therefore reducing the potential for increased traffic in the area. It is imagined that those that are travelling to eat-in will also be able to use the Headingley Arndale Centre car park, whereas there is no dedicated parking at the proposed McDonalds site.
The proposed McDonalds site. / Image: Google Maps
The difference between the two was clarified on a local Facebook community page by local councillors.
When asked 'are the issues not the same' for Burger King and McDonalds? Councillors clarified, "the Burger King passed as there was no delivery and seating inside. The McDonald’s proposal had no seating inside, so would have been delivery and takeaway only meaning people would either be parking on double-yellows, or literally eating in the street outside."
UK singer-songwriter Tom Odell is set to play a huge outdoor Leeds show this summer.
Sounds of the City is making a triumphant return this summer and we couldn't be more excited.
Being added to the already star-studded lineup is Tom Odell, a Chichester-born singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt piano ballads and distinctive tone.
You may also know him from a certain John Lewis advert which made sure there were no dry eyes in the house.
The announcement follows a huge year for Tom Odell, who released his latest album A Wonderful Life and completed a major UK arena tour.
Known for his emotionally charged, piano‑led anthems, Tom Odell first rose to prominence after winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in 2013 and has since become one of the UK’s most successful contemporary artists, with massive global hits like “Another Love”, which has now surpassed three billion streams on Spotify.
The ‘Another Love’ singer will perform on Saturday 4 July and will be supported by Matt Maltese.
Already announced for Sounds of the City are Dylan Gossett, Alabama Shakes, Wet Leg, The Human League and The Cribs.
The Millennium Square gigs are always fantastic fun, with previous acts including Blossoms, McFly and Mika bringing huge audiences to the city.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 February at 10am and you can get your tickets here.
Pre-sale starts this Thursday 5 February which you can access by signing up to Millennium Square's mailing list here.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Sophie Smith -
10th February 2023 
