Changes to licensing policy could limit the number of bars and takeaways in Horsforth.

Proposed amendments to the Leeds Council policy would see an enlarged zone within the town in which applications for alcohol and takeaway licenses are more strictly regulated than other areas.

The “cumulative impact zone” has existed in Horsforth since 2005 to limit the spread of such businesses in the town. Now councillors have agreed to expand it to include New Road Side.

There will be a public consultation and the measure could be adopted next year.

Councillor Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said: “Since we introduced the cumulative impact policy in 2005, it’s mostly been very effective at preventing Horsforth getting over-run by bars opening until all hours of the morning.

“But there has been a noticeable increase in the number of licensed premises on New Road Side along with all the issues of public disorder that you would expect to come with that.”