MP hits out as plans for old school granted

Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland had written to Leeds Council to object to the outline plans, saying the scheme for 94 homes at the Headingley site was “far too intensive” for the size of the land in question.

He said the new homes would “antagonize overpopulation issues” in an area which is popular with students.

He said: “It seems that once again the views of local residents on this decision have not been taken into account.

“I am disappointed that Plans Panel West chose to ignore local people and have allowed this application to go ahead.”

“I am however pleased that the provision for affordable housing will be off site as this will give Leeds City Council the opportunity to bring landlord-owned HMOs (houses in multiple occupancy) back into family use.”

Local Lib Dem Councillor Martin Hamilton said: “The approval of this scheme gives some certainty about the future of this site, and it is better than the one dismissed by the inspector on appeal.

“It is still regrettable that the Inspector’s decision meant that the Council had no choice but to allow building on the tennis courts on the site.”

Local campaigner Pam Bone said the community wanted the green space at the site to be retained and for facilities to be accessible to the public.

A separate set of plans have been submitted to build houses and a convenience store on the school’s former playing fields and sports hall on Victoria Road.

Local objectors are opposing the plan.

That scheme is due to go before councillors in September or October.