AN Aireborough councillor has welcomed ambitious £2.5 million proposals for a luxury fitness club and apartments in the former Leeds City Tramways Depot in Guiseley.

Councillor Graham Latty (Cons, Aireborough) said that he saw no reasons to object to the plans to restore Arnold Laver's current base in Otley Road and turn it into a Cannons Health Club with swimming pool, spa, steam room and a host of state-of-the-art facilities.

As revealed in last week's Wharfedale Observer, the proposed scheme will create 50 new jobs and will also include 20 high quality apartments in the historic building.

Arnold Laver DIY and Builder's Merchants will relocate to a new Call centre depot to be created elsewhere in the vicinity, although no plans have yet been submitted

"What is there to object to?" said Coun Latty. "It is going to be another fitness place with expensive apartments. I have no

problems with places being transformed to residential in the place of commercial.

"Laver's say that they will be relocating elsewhere, although we don't know where yet. It they are staying in the area and keep the character of the building then I don't have any problems with it."

The plans are currently being looked at by Leeds City Council planning officers and are due to be considered by city councillors within the next few months.