Anxious wait for residents opposed to new Leeds homes

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Anxious wait for residents opposed to new Leeds homes

Feb 15, 2009

ANXIOUS residents in a south Leeds suburb face a two-month wait to see if 200 luxury homes will be built on their doorstep.

A public inquiry into the controversial plan to build upmarket properties in Rothwell and Oulton has finally finished after months of delays.

A decision over the application by an Isle of Man-based company is now expected in around eight weeks.

Objectors fear a victory for the company could open the floodgates for an influx of planning applications on greenfield sites across Leeds.

An initial application by Oulton Hall Estates to build the new homes on two 3.5 hectare greenfield sites on Royds Lane, Rothwell, and Fleet Lane, Oulton, sparked an outcry from residents.

As well as being a blot on the landscape, objectors claim they are under siege from developers wanting to build on fields in the community.

Leeds City Council rejected the application last summer as it was against it's unitary development plan.
A report by the council states: "The long term development aims of the council would be harmed significantly by allowing such development and this harm is considered to outweigh the benefits that would be gained.

"It is further recognised that local residents themselves have clearly rejected the proposed development."

Appeal

But an inquiry by Government planning inspectors was launched in November after an appeal by the developer.

The hearing had to be adjourned mid-way through the evidence and was finally completed this week.

A spokesman for the Oulton Society, which campaigned against the Fleet Lane development, said: "There was a good attendence at the reconvened public inquiry in Rothwell to demonstrate to the Government inspector the depth of opposition to this development.

"These are worrying times for local residents. It could have a huge implication for other greenfield sites across Leeds"

John McVeigh, who organised a campaign against the Rothwell development, said: "There has been a very strong public reaction ever since these plans were first announced about building on greenfield.

"As well as the environmental element, the new properties would put a lot more pressure on local amenities and increase traffic to dangerous levels along Royds Lane, which has schools at either end."

Rothwell councillor Stewart Golton (Lib Dem) said: "Any development allowed on these greenfield sites would be the thin edge of the wedge. The developer owns swathes of land currently in green belt locally, and has already attempted to have an eco-town proposal accepted by the Government."

Oulton Hall Estates claim the plans will set a precedent for environmentally friendly homes with at least 25 per cent of properties being affordable for key workers, first time buyers and families.


Source: Yorkshire Evening Post

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