Public meeting over plan to build homes on former playing fields

The Leeds Girls High School site in Headingley has been empty since the pupils moved out to merge with The Grammar School at Leeds in 2008.

Plans have been already been submitted to Leeds City Council by the Morley House Trust to build 89 homes.

But residents have called a meeting over a recent application to build 25 homes and a convenience store with eight flats on the Victoria Road site, home to the tennis courts, playing fields and sports hall.

Campaigners wanted the facilities to be retained for use by schools and the local community. However, an inquiry last year ruled that the green space was not “protected” and could therefore be developed.

Sue Buckle, chair of the South Headingley Community Association, said: “Many residents of Hyde Park suffer from problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

“Lack of exercise is a major factor in these cases, starting with the lack of opportunity for sport and exercise in schools and the local area.

“Who knows what potential Olympic medallists and Wimbledon champions we might have in our midst, who will never get the chance to develop or even discover their talent?”

The plans have been submitted to Leeds City Council by Chartford Homes and Holbeck Land, which says the development will include exercise space that may be available for schools and the community.

But Coun Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: “I was disappointed that the planning inspector ruled the green space on the sites no longer enjoyed protected status. However, this should not be seen as a licence to allow development without adequate green space.”

Representatives from Chartford Homes and Holbeck Land will attend the first hour of Wednesday’s meeting to discuss the plans and answer questions from residents.

The meeting will run from 6.30 to 8.30pm at the Cardigan Centre, 145-149 Cardigan Road, Hyde Park, Leeds.