Moortown Playing Fields Campaign
Update January 20th 2009
Firm resolve in Moortown against development of playing fields site
St John's Church Hall was packed for a meeting held on Monday 19th January when concerned constituents met to consider the revised proposals submitted for the development of the development of the former Yorkshire Bank Playing Fields site. Officers from Leeds City Council revealed that the developer, David Lloyd Homes, had not taken advantage of an invitation to discuss revisions with planning officers and, in consequence, many inadequacies in the first proposal had not been addressed. Constituents were angered by the failure of the developer to address their concerns and many felt that there were too many problems linked to road safety, density of traffic and drainage for the development of the site to be warranted. Particular concerns were voiced about traffic congestion on Shadwell Lane and at the Harrogate Road junction. Local residents testified to the flooding that already occurs and feared for the overload of drainage infrastructure if a development of 85 family homes was allowed to proceed.
The meeting was attended by ward councillors supported by Fabian Hamilton MP. There was unanimous agreement that any development of the site for housing was undesirable and that the proposals should be rejected. Council officers explained how the developer would then have the right of appeal and advised that it may be necessary for the community to hire expert lawyers and consultants to put forward their arguments effectively. Fabian Hamilton MP recalled how he had stood by and supported constituents over many years in their battle to prevent development of the playing fields and pledged his continued help. Representatives of all the major political parties were in agreement.
The meeting then considered the desirable long-term solution and the suggestion that the playing fields be purchased to create a park in Moortown was received with acclaim. A representative of the newly formed Moortown Community Group, then described the way that it had been established in response to the threat of development that would degrade and damage the identity of the district. Supported with a start-up grant from Leeds City Council, the group had established its area of concern, set up a web site for communication and was working on the elaboration of a neighbourhood design statement. The group would now actively pursue the idea of lobbying for the land to be developed as a park and might go as far as looking at Parish Council status. Those attending the meeting were heartened to learn of the way that Collingham and Linton Parish Council had purchased glebe land from the Ripon Diocese that had received planning permission for housing development. This field now forms part of an extended garden area at the heart of the village.
For information on Moortown Community Group - Click Here
Update 10th January 2009
New planning proposals have been submitted by Yorkshire Bank and David Wilson Homes for 88 properties to be developed on the site. A public meeting has been convened for Monday 19th Januray 2009 to be held at St John's Church Hall, Harrogate Road beginning at 7:30 pm. Fabian Hamilton MP has written to local residents campaigning against devleopment and the text of his letter is shown below.
Dear Constituent
I am writing once again about the Yorkshire Bank Playing Fields.
I understand that a fresh application has been submitted to Leeds City Council by the Yorkshire Bank and David Wilson Homes for 88 properties to be built on the site. As you will know, I have opposed development as your local MP for the past eleven years and will continue to oppose this kind of development on the site.
I do not believe that the local water, energy, sewerage and drainage infrastructure can support a further 88 homes on this site, nor can the roads network support the additional traffic and congestion that would be caused. I am also very unhappy that the last 'green lung' in the area will be built upon, leaving North East Leeds with very little remaining green space.
A public meeting is to be held on Monday 19th January at St John's Church Hall, Harrogate Road, Leeds 17 starting at 7.30pm. I will try to be there myself, as long as the Government Whips allow me the time off from Parliament, but in any event my Parliamentary Assistant, Gerry Harper will be present. I understand that the Ward Councillors will also be there.
In the meantime, if you wish to object to the new application, the reference number is P/08/06769/FU/NE and the address to which letters should be sent is: Leeds City Council, Department of Planning, Leonardo Buildings, Portland Crescent, Leeds LS1 X11. It would be helpful if you were able to send me a copy of your objection either by email to the above address or by letter to the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Happy New Year 2009.
With best wishes,
Fabian Hamilton
Fabian Hamilton MP has campiagned unceasingly alongside local residents to prevent development on this site, one of the last green spaces or 'lungs' in Moortown, North East Leeds. The development would have deprived residents of the amenity of the site and added considerably to difficulties of parking and congestion in the immediate area, particularly in Shadwell Lane.
Picture copyright Google Maps