By Angela Harrison
The long-established Headingley Station Allotments, on the boundary of Headingley and Kirkstall, has been put forward as a possible piece of land for development.
Leeds City Council is seeking views on a planning blueprint which could see thousands of new homes built on potential sites across West Leeds – including up to 61 homes on the allotments site.
The plan will guide how land is used and developed and influences planning decisions to ensure any developments meet the needs of the community and the environment.
A range of potential sites included in the consultation were put forward by developers, landowners, residents and others.
Councillor Hannah Bithell (Lab, Kirkstall) wrote on Facebook that the council cannot pull it out of the consultation as all the proposed sites have to be part of a wider consultation along with other suggested sites.
Cllr Bithell said: “The impact allotments have on people’s health mentally and physically, the community spirit of an area, combatting social isolation etc, is massive – so we want to make sure the strength of feeling is shown here.”
Andy Sames wrote on social media that his brother was the allotment secretary 30 years ago, and back then a similar application was made which was knocked back after a hearing was held which decided the land will remain as an allotment.
He said the arguments for it to remain still stand today, but uppermost is the density of the population of the area which has grown considerably since then. Even 30 years ago the population density was a prime factor in the decision not to hand the land to developers.
Ecologically, Mr Sames says, there would be heavy losses to the wildlife such as deer and other animals, who roam the area as a natural corridor. Lastly, he said there is already a large new housing development on Kirkstall Lane stretching local services, and Mr Sames says there is no reason to stretch them further.
Allotment plot holder, Maureen, shared her concerns too. She said: “I have got a plot on the Headingley Station and so have both my children.
“My son has had his plot for nearly two years and has grown a lot of veg and things which have helped the family immensely with the cost of living crisis the way it is. My daughter has only been on her plot for a year now and has also put a lot of time and money into it to feed her family.
“I have only had mine a few weeks, but have been getting stuck into doing it. I suffer really badly with anxiety and depression and so this has really helped with my mental health by meeting people and being part of a lovely community.
“I think it’s so unfair to take it away to build houses when we need places like this to help people. I’m sure there are plenty of other areas they could look at and we will fight this.
“They are not having the land that has helped so many people for so many years without a fight.”
People can have their say on the Leeds Local Plan – and whether Headingley Station Allotments site should be developed – in the consultation here.
Burley resident Stuart Long has started a petition against the proposal. The number of signatures currently stands at more than 450.
Mr Long said: “The allotments are an established hub of community, sustainability and heritage.
“These areas are vital green spaces in a densely populated urban environment, offering crucial environmental, social, historical, and community value that cannot simply be replaced or relocated.
“The Station Allotments are one of the last remaining historic growing spaces in the area. Generations of local residents have used this land for sustainable food production, improving food security, well-being and mental health.
“The site is home to wildlife habitats and long-established soil ecosystems, which would be lost permanently if developed.”
Sponsored content
The Headingley Allotments will not be built on. As Cllr Bithell says, all proposals have to be included in the plan – from wherever they originate and whatever their merits. It’s just how it works. Most will be rejected. I understand people’s justifiable concern about protecting a valuable community and environmental asset, but equally those seeking to exploit this for political capital and to attack the council, either through misunderstanding the nature of statutory Local Plans or deliberately, should take a step back.
Disgusting it’s even up for consultation.
Why not look at bringing surrounding run down areas back to life instead of destroying another community and green space.
Hang your heads in shame whoevers come up with this one!!!
Best not to build on the allotments for many reasons, and they probably won’t, because there are many better brownfield sites across Leeds, like on Kirkstall Road.
But, you do have to question the logic here:
“My son has had his plot for nearly two years and has grown a lot of veg and things which have helped the family immensely with the cost of living crisis the way it is.”
One of the biggest factors in the cost of living crisis is housing costs, which can only be addressed by building more houses. The savings on the weekly shop from the allotment are very small in comparison to the effect of building more houses in Leeds to bring house prices and rent down.
You honestly believe that these planned builds will
reduce house and rental prices
Wake up and see the true value of inner city green areas as these the council will be selling parks off next
Yes. Housing costs are about supply and demand. Demand is high. Supply isn’t. Increase supply and housing costs will fall. Obviously I would like to have inner city green areas as well, which is why I’d prefer the allotments weren’t built on, but we fundamentally do need to build a lot of housing, which is why I’m glad that the council are considering lots of options.