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Sports facility plans for historic Roundhouse

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Plans for the Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been submitted. Photo: Google

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A historic building which once housed Victorian steam locomotives is set to be converted into a sports facility after revised plans were approved in principle.

A developer is planning to convert the grade II-listed Roundhouse, built in 1847 on Wellington Road, near Armley Gyratory, into a padel tennis centre.

The sport, described as a mixture of tennis and squash, will be played on five indoor and five outdoor courts under the proposal from UK Padel Club Ltd.

Leeds City Council’s city plans panel agreed to defer and delegate approval of the scheme to the chief planning officer at a meeting on Thursday.

A report to the meeting said the outdoor part of the site had capacity for 310 homes as part of the city’s Site Allocations Plan.

Under the revised plan, half of that area is removed from the application, leaving it available for housing development.

Coun Peter Carlill, Labour member for Calverley and Farsley, said: “Should I be concerned that this would effectively take 150 houses out of that plan?”

But councillors were told thousands of homes were on target to be built at other city centre sites. Planning officer Robin Coghlan said: “We have a pretty comfortable supply elsewhere at the moment.”

Planning permission would also be for a limited period of ten years, the panel was told, so the land could be used for housing in the longer term.

Councillors passed a recommendation to defer and delegate the application, subject to conditions including agreed opening times and noise monitoring.

The proposal was welcomed by Historic England when consulted as part of the application, the report said.

Historic England said: “The use as a leisure facility with padel courts located around the perimeter of the interior of the building is a very interesting new use for the building and it appears it would have a minimal physical impact on the building.”

Buffaloes Bulletin: Captain “Lochie” departs for Australia

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Steve Langton, Bramley Buffaloes

By Paul Abraham

After last season’s highly successful campaign Bramley Buffaloes’ pre-season training is in full swing with over 40 players attending the sessions. Confidence is high throughout the club as they prepare to run two sides again this season.

Buffs message re Lochlan “Lochie” O’Donoghue

This is somewhat of a bittersweet post.

Our much loved and well-respected captain “Lochie” is leaving, we will miss him dearly as a player but even more as a friend.

Now that’s the bitter part done, here’s the sweet part.

He’s only moving to the other side of the world – he’s going down under to Australia. What a fantastic move to make at his age, we are sure he’ll teach those Aussies a thing or two about rugby.

All the best “Lochie” and good luck with everything in future from all at the club.

Steve Langton

Former highly respected professional player Steve Langton will start his ninth season at the helm of the Buffaloes.  

Steve has battled relentlessly through the previous eight years which has seen him having to contend with the covid pandemic, ground moves and struggles to raise a side on occasions, but all his sleepless nights and hard work were well worth it when his loyal band of players were crowned division 4 champions and reached the Yorkshire Shield final in 2023. Steve is as passionate as ever to take the side to even further highs in 2024.

Fixtures for the coming season will shortly be confirmed and sponsorship packages to fit every pocket will also be announced shortly.  The ever-popular player sponsorship packages will be available as last year so why not sponsor your favourite “Buff”,

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New plans to transform Bramley office building

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Bradshaw House, on Waterloo Lane in Bramley. Picture from Google Maps (2022).

Fresh plans to change the use of existing office space in Bramley into a residential development have been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Bradshaw House, on Waterloo Lane, has been vacant for some time, with efforts to find new tenants having failed. Applicants Bridge-It Enterprises, who bought the property last year, and want to turn the empty office space into 18 apartments. Similar propsals were refused by council planners last month following concerns over the size of the apartments.

Developers have now submitted revised proposals and are hoping to gain planning approval.

The latest plans can be viewed here.

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Photos capture health and healing festival at Pudsey Civic Hall

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Rick Paul left his job in the prison service seven years ago to pursue a multi-tasked career as tarot reader, spiritual counsellor, soul guidance and psychic/medium.

While the longer term future of this significant venue remains in the balance, Pudsey Civic Hall hosted the Health & Healing Festival (Harrogate) inaugural event of 2024. A two-day health, healing, wellbeing and holistic event over the weekend of 17/18 February. Ivor Hughes attended.

What exactly are such festivals? Regular attendees and other participants will already know far better than I. Nonetheless, here goes. This is what I saw on the day.

Any amount and variety of herbs, oils, minerals, other substances, cultures, psychics, art, literature, reflexology, tarot (and similar) readers and their practitioners – were combined at a supremely well polished and presented event. All there to offer numerous additions and alternatives to mainstream medicinal and lifestyle options.

Did I miss or misunderstand anything? Well, take a look at healthhealingfestivals.com and you’ll see that I’m not that far out.

On that Saturday

None – but none – of the many exhibitors with whom I spoke could have been any more accessible, enthusiastic, informative or helpful. Each and every stand I asked was entirely happy for me to take any pics I wished. An open book event.

I didn’t ask how many stands were there on the day. The ground floor was fully occupied. Sixty? The hall, and each stand, was also busy with visitors and prospective customers – demonstrating that this is clearly a well supported industry.

Opportunities for the undecided

In two minds? I must say that I wasn’t convinced on the day that any of the alternative lifestyle options on offer were for me. But I was on deadline. Spending a short while with a handful of exhibitors. With only one of maybe half a dozen tarot readers. I needed pics, not my body or soul fixing there and then.

Go to the next event and become informed better than me and in ways better than any other. Face to face. Then it’s up to you.

Next annual events – York Racecourse 21/22 April, Leeds John Charles Centre 20/21 July, Harrogate Showground 14/15 September, Beverley Racecourse 5/6 October.

Teatime – and try before you buy. This was John Wright of Farnley’s first such event where he offered a wide range of premium traditional and herbal teas.
Amethyst, I was informed, is part of your spiritual journey. A natural healer and tranquiliser. Among an extensive display of minerals and jewellery, Mel-Jay offered decorative examples while The Salt & Rock Shop offered crude examples.
Untreated Amethyst.
Everyday items such as these charms may have hidden healing and protective qualities. Offered on the day by Magical Folk.
Sukha Oils had made the trip from Leicester to offer a wide range of aromatherapy healing treatments. This latest range of three original massage oils was revealed at Pudsey Civic Hall and will be available from March/April.
There is no shortage of reference books on the subject of alternative therapies. These on Louise Bloomer’s stand. Louise is a self proclaimed witch. Her own title is bottom centre.

West Leeds planning applications: 18 February 2024

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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the six council wards in West Leeds.

The following new applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

  • Tree works, 255 Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds LS13 2HG.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

  • None submitted.

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

  • Tree works, 13 Prospect View, Prospect Terrace, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HX.

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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Farsley Celtic slip to defeat amid penalty controversy

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Farsley Celtic. Photo: John McEvoy

Farsley Celtic were defeated 2-1 after two second half goals from Chester saw them come from behind to leave West Yorkshire with all three points.

The Celts couldn’t have got off to a better start. In the second minute Michael Coulson fizzed a ball into the box where Sam Leverett pounced to blast the ball into an empty net and give the home aside a dream start.

Leverett was once again involved in the action five minutes after his goal, when he whipped in a delightful free-kick, however no Farsley player managed to get on the end of the cross.

As time progressed, the away side started to come into the game. Ben Tollitt came close to an equaliser for the away side as he cut inside from the left only to see his effort go just over the bar.

Chester were once again causing danger for Farsley’s defence. As the ball was bouncing in and around the box, Burke was the sharpest to react eight yards out from goal only for Leban to come to the rescue with a superb save.

It was a cagey start to the second half. In the 53rd minute Tollitt would level the scoring, a screamer of a free-kick 27 yards out from goal flew past Leban – there was certainly nothing he could do about the goal.

Ben Atkinson nearly found a second for Farsley six minutes later, excellent work by Lewis Turner on the right-hand side saw his cross fall to Ben Atkinson on the edge of the box, only for him to lose his footing at the wrong moment.

Things then took a massive turn in the match. Chester were awarded a contentious penalty for hand ball and Tom Allan received a red card, with the referee deciding he denied a goal scoring opportunity. Elliot Whitehouse then converted the penalty and give the visitors the lead.

In tough conditions and down to ten men, Clayton Donaldson’s men carried on in search of an equaliser, however it just wasn’to be as the away side stood strong in the last ten minutes to protect their lead.

Up next for the Celts is Blyth Spartans at home on Tuesday, where they will be hoping to bounce back and get all three points.

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Spring into volunteering with Kirkstall in Bloom

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By Jim Corah

Kirkstall in Bloom return for their regular volunteer gardening sessions towards the end of March in the heart of the Kirkstall community.

The first session of 2024 will take place on Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 10.30am meeting in the Drink and Be Grateful Fountain Garden at the crossroads of Abbey Road and Bridge Road, LS5. It is a shorter taster session as a “meet and greet” for anyone interested in joining as a volunteer.

Chair Hannah Corah said: “Everything we have achieved with Kirkstall in Bloom since 2012 has been through our fantastic volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome, we are a friendly, supportive group accepting all who want to help make our community blooming marvellous.”

The second session of 2024 will be on Saturday, 27 April 2024. Further events can be found on the group’s Facebook page.

Hannah added: “No gardening experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to learn and do, we’ll provide gloves and tools too.”

Councillor questions CityConnect cyclist usage 

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cycle superhighway
The cycle superhighway between Leeds and Bradford sparked debate

By Chris Young, local democracy reporter

A COUNCILLOR has questioned why more cyclists aren’t using the dedicated cycle routes linking Bradford and Leeds.

Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lib Dem, Bradford Moor) praised the infrastructure that makes up the CityConnect scheme, but added “where are the cyclists?”

A transport boss said it was something they “needed to keep working on” – but pointed out that former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman has recently praised West Yorkshire’s cycling infrastructure and that it took decades to create the cycling culture countries like Holland has now.

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Bradford Council’s Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee, when members were given an update on plans for a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire.

Representatives from West Yorkshire Combined Authority told members the public transport system would link up with active travel schemes – which would allow people to walk or cycle to the new stations before boarding a tram or bus.

The discussion moved onto existing infrastructure schemes designed to get people out of their cars – including the CityConnect Cycle Highway between Bradford and Leeds.

The £29m ‘cycle superhighway’ opened in 2016 – and was dubbed a “highway to health” that would boost cycling and get more people out of cars.

In the first five years, an estimated five million cyclists used the route, which is run by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and most of which is segregated from traffic. It stretches from Leeds to Bradford city centre, with another route between Bradford city centre and Leeds.

Referring to the current cycle lanes, Cllr Ahmed said: “It is great infrastructure, but where are the cyclists? Especially between Bradford and Leeds. Why is there always such a low number of cyclists using these lanes?”

Simon Warburton, Executive Director of Transport on the Combined Authority, said: “We’re seeing a significant step up in the take up of cycling.

“Chris Boardman was in West Yorkshire fairly recently, and said the cycling facilities here were an exemplar in his eyes for cycle infrastructure. You don’t get praise easily from Chris Boardman, so we’re doing some things right.

“But a simple answer to your question is we have to keep working on it. The infrastructure has to be there for the journeys people are going to make.”

Mr Boardman is currently the Government’s Active Travel Commissioner – with the aim of encouraging more people to walk and cycle.

Mr Warburton said work currently under way in Bradford city centre which will include improved cycling and walking facilities as well as a new cycle lane from the centre to the West of Bradford, would help “bring the city centre alive for cyclists.”

He added: “In Holland it took decades to create the cycling culture it has now.”

In photos: Catkins and crocii fully out at the Abbey

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Spring is just around the corner! And if we needed a reminder there’s the sight of early flowers coming into bloom at places like Kirkstall Abbey.

Photographer Susan Tellum has captured the scenes at the Abbey. Here’s a selection of her photos:

Artists and venues sought as Kirkstall Art Trail 2024 date revealed

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Kirkstall Art Trail returns in 2023. Photo: Stephen Cole, Arresting Images on Instagram.

By Jim Corah

Kirkstall Art Trail returns this July and is seeking artists and venues.

After a successful 2023 when over 1,400 visitors engaged with 75 artists and workshops across 28 venues in the Kirkstall district centre, the organisers are looking to do better for 2024.

“This is the best thing I’ve ever seen,” a young visitor said about exhibitors in St Stephen’s Church, which has been confirmed as one of the venues that will be hosting artists in 2024.

Artists, whether they are established or just beginning to start showing their work, can make a submission to the Kirkstall Art Trail’s CuratorSpace page. All artforms are welcome, and Kirkstall Art Trail’s organisers are also looking for workshop facilitors to help encourage interaction with art. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, 2 April 2024.

The trail is made up of homes, businesses, and community organisations across Kirkstall, as well as open spaces like allotments. Organisers are particularly keen to hear from those interested in hosting art. Artists and venues provide a fantastic space for people to hold conversations and learn about art.

Last year the Kirkstall Crusaders help design a mural overlooking their football pitches. For 2024 Kirkstall Art Trail are looking to expand upon what artforms are on display, with performance, poetry and spoken word, and potential music being incorporated into the “friendliest event in the calendar” (another visitor comment).

Kirkstall Art Trail will take place between 11am and 5pm on Saturday, 20 July 2024 and Sunday, 21 July 2024 in multiple venues across Kirkstall. 

Council’s £10k boost for new Wortley FC clubhouse and Western Flatts playground

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Greoundworks have started for the new playground. Photo: Katherine Turner

Wortley Football Club has been boosted by a £10,000 grant from councillors – who also agreed to buy disability friendly play equipment in Western Flatts Park.

Councillors sitting on the Outer West Community Committee at Farnley Hall agreed to fund the two initiatives, totalling £10,000 each.

Wortley FC – the club where England midfielder Kalvin Phllips started out – wants to build a clubhouse on the top plateau of its grounds off Blue Hill Lane in order to become more financially sustainable through hosting teams with matchday hospitality and end of season presentations.

A council report considered by councillors said: “Currently the club does not host teams on matchday and this revenue that could be gained goes into other commercial premises in the area.”

Councillor Mark Sewards (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) said: “I am very excited by this project. They provide so many opportunities for young people in Farnley & Wortley ward. The clubhouse is desperately needed.”

The club says it has £80,000 match funding, with the possibility of more to come.

Councillors also agreed to pay £10,000 to supply and fit a wheelchair accessible roundabout as an addition to the new play area at Western Flatts Park. The park is currently being built at the top end of the park but concerns had been raised that the existing equipment wasn’t accessible for children in wheelchairs.

Cllr Sewards spoke in favour of the application. He said: “We need this park to be accessible for all. I don’t want a single child to miss out because they are in a wheelchair.”

It’s hoped to have the new equipment in place by April.

Councillors also approved a £10,000 grant to provide new cricket nets at Pudsey St Lawrence Cricket Club.

The full agenda and council reports from yesterday’s meeting can be found here.

The Outer West Community Committee is made up of nine councillors from Calverley & Farsley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey wards.

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RSPCA issue appeal after fourth cat found dead in Pudsey woods

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The fourth kitten was found abandoned in Black Carr Woods, Pudsey. Photo: RSPCA

A cat discovered dead in a sandbag in woodland near Pudsey is the fourth to be found there in similar circumstances in recent months, the RSPCA has said.

The female tortoiseshell kitten was found by a dog walker near the Ned Lane entrance to Black Carr Woods on 30 January. 

The animal had suffered wounds to both sides of her neck and to her mouth. 

Last year, three dead adult cats were found in the woods and the RSPCA said the finds were “extremely concerning”. 

The kitten, who is thought to have been around four-months-old, had been placed in a reusable Christmas bag from The Works and then left in a white sandbag.

The dog walker had reported finding two dead adult cats in the same location last summer as well as one in October, a spokesperson for the animal charity said.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Hannah Williams said: “It appears that someone is deliberately going out of their way to go to this area, walk along a quiet footpath and then cruelly discard their unwanted pets and we don’t know if they are alive at the time or already dead – but is obviously disturbing.

“We’re extremely concerned about how this little kitten may have sustained her injuries, as well as the welfare of her mum, possible siblings and other cats that may also belong to the person or people who are doing this. 

“The fact it’s happened before at this location leads us to believe the incidents may be linked, but we need people with first-hand information to help us.

“Does anyone recognise the bags, has anyone seen suspicious activity in the area or does anyone have first-hand information that could help us? If so, please get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

People with information which could help the RSPCA’s investigation can call 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01216628.

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