The new Moss Lane Bridge in Rodley leads to the proposed development.
By John Baron
Councillors have given the green light for the Airedale Mills development in Rodley to become 100% ‘affordable’ housing.
Full planning permission for 67 houses on the site, off Moss Bridge Lane, was approved last June, despite concerns in the community. The planning permission included a commitment by the developer for 15% of the properties to be classed as affordable housing.
But applicant Rodley Ltd has successfully applied to amend that commitment to give them the option of a developer building a 100% affordable/rented housing scheme.
Councillors sitting on the plans south and west panel will meet at the Civic Hall this afternoon approved the amendment to the plans, with one abstention. They were told by council planning officers that the amendment would give any future developer flexibility in providing either 15% or 100% affordable housing.
Councillor John Garvani (Lab, Horsforth) said: “If this development has a chance of being 100% affordable, why would we not take it? It will help improve the housing mix across the city and getting the affordable housing figures up.”
Councillor Trish Smith (Cons, Pudsey) said she still had concerns about the safety of the development due to problems with the reliability of the new swing bridge, which is the only form of access to the Airedale Mills site. “I still have great safety concerns over the workings of that bridge.”
Cllr Smith asked that any further revisions to the plans should be brought back to plans panel. Planning officers said the bridge had been built to agreed specifications and will continue to monitor the bridge’s operations.
WLD has reported extensively on the ongoing planning saga over the years and last August we reported a social housing providerwas hoping to take on the site.
Sacred Heart Primary School, Burley. Photo: Google
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is officially now a good school, according to the latest report from Ofsted inspectors.
The school, in Argie Avenue, Burley, was praised as good in all five rating areas including: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and early years provision.
November’s visit by inspectors follows concerns over safeguarding raised at a graded inspection last June, which had led to the school being rated as ‘inadequate’.
Inspectors praised the school’s ‘strong moral compass’ and said in their report: “Sacred Heart is a close-knit, caring and vibrant school. Staff have built a community with kindness and compassion at its core.”
Addressing previous issues over safeguarding, the report added: “The school took immediate, swift and decisive action to address the safeguarding issues highlighted at the previous inspection. The systems for reporting, recording and acting on concerns raised by staff have been restructured and significantly improved.
“All staff are clear about their responsibilities and have benefited from additional training.”
The report said that the curriculum was generally ‘set out carefully’ but added that curriculum clarity is ‘less developed’ in some areas. The school is part of the St Gregory the Great Academy Trust.
Plans for a 65ft tall mobile phone mast on grass outside McDonald’s at Cardigan Retail Park have been refused by council planners.
Applicant Cornerstone had applied for the 5G mast, along with six antennae and three cabinets, on grass outside McDonald’s the junction of Kirkstall Road and Evanston Avenue.
But council planners had concerns about the mast’s impact on the nearby residential houses. In refusing the ap[plicvayion, planners said: “It is therefore considered that the siting of this mast coupled with a height well above that of anything else in the immediate streetscene will impact upon visual amenity and the character of the area, contrary to local and national policies.”
Members of a women’s group in New Wortley have been enjoying warm hydro pool sessions in a bid to improve their confidence, mobility and strength.
The sessions have been supported by British Triathlon and have seen members of the women’s group at New Wortley Community Centre taking part in a variety of pool-based exercises.
New Wortley is one of 17 priority areas in England, outlined in the Triathlon England strategy The Big Active, where the focus is on improving the fitness and health of local residents.
Leeds Swim Bike Run Activator, Fiona Hoare, who is jointly funded between British Triathlon and the local authority’s Active Leeds, has been working with New Wortley Community Centre and the women’s group for several years.
“The women told me they wanted to start swimming,” Fiona said. “However, they were cautious about their ability levels and health conditions, and some women had religious beliefs which restricted opportunities for swimming in public spaces. For many, the cooler water of a regular swimming pool aggravated their conditions, which is why I explored the possibility of them accessing the warmer hydro pool at a quiet time.”
To address the challenges, Fiona worked with Active Leeds staff at Armley Leisure Centre to gain exclusive access to the hydro pool. Linking with the Active Leeds Health Referral team, who were able to offer the exclusive programme at a reduced rate of £3. Fiona then worked with colleagues to apply for Active Leeds Community Chest funding to block book the sessions for 6 weeks and support women who could not afford the weekly fee.
When the sessions started, Fiona noticed a wide range of mental and physical health improvements in a short period of time. She said: “Their balance increased, their coordination improved, as did their spatial awareness. In fact, the warm water allowed the women to relax. Some were in so much pain and had so much stress I don’t think they’d experienced anything other than that, but after their first session in the hydro pool, they all went home exhausted and just slept which was amazing.
“I think they thought falling asleep after the session was wrong or bad and I said no, actually that’s the most amazing outcome because your body has finally relaxed and let go of the stress it was under.”
Armley Leisure Centre. Photo: Google
One of the participants, Esther, said: “I enjoyed the hydro pool sessions because it means I can actually exercise knowing I won’t be doing any damage to my ongoing Lymphedema. I felt so relaxed and a lot more confident in myself. I have better balance and I have less pain and discomfort than I did at the start of the sessions.”
Another participant, Leah, added: “I did all six sessions and I really enjoyed them. The warm water really helps with my pain levels and has helped my joints and muscles. It has really lifted my mood and I have grown in confidence.”
Participants have been given the chance to engage in long term physical activity by receiving an Active Leeds LEAP card (Leeds Encouraging Activity in People), which permits entry into Active Leeds leisure facilities at a discounted rate. Several participants now take part in regular physical activity away from the hydro pool sessions.
Esther said: “I am definitely more active than before because I have more flexibility and less pain. Since getting my LEAP Card and joining in some classes I feel I can only get better going forward.”
Nicole, who attended five of the sessions, said: “I am becoming more active due to being more confident with my balance. I attend the gym using my LEAP Card and plan to attend new classes.”
New Wortley Community Centre.
The success of the project has resulted in the community centre wanting to continue the hydro pool sessions in 2024 and beyond, and conversations are now under way with local social prescribers and health services to look at sustainability of the offer.
Dani Davis, Regional Development Manager in Yorkshire & Humber at British Triathlon said, “I feel so proud of what Fiona has achieved with the women from New Wortley Community Centre. Fiona has worked extremely hard over the past few years to build trusting relationships in New Wortley and really get to know the women who now welcome Fiona with open arms.
“The planning and logistics of the sessions, from securing the venue to breaking down financial challenges, has been a tremendous task. To hear the impact of these sessions on the women involved is truly heart-warming, and reminds us all of why we do the work we do. I am excited to see what is next to come in our priority places!”
British Triathlon’s Priority Place work aims to utilise swimming, cycling, walking and running as pillars to reducing health inequalities and improving physical and mental health of local residents. The project in New Wortley was co-designed by one of the women’s groups at the community centre who expressed an interest in accessing the hydro pool at Armley Leisure Centre to enable them to complete mobility, strength and balance exercises in the warmer pool.
Neighbourhood policing, crime and housing updates all feature in the next Armley Forum meeting – and Armley residents are being invited to have their say on these issues.
The next Armley Forum is taking place on Tuesday, 16 January, at 7pm at Armley Community Hub, Stocks Hill.
An Armley plumber featured on Dragon’s Den has teamed up with a major electrical wholesaler to help combat vehicle crime and protect livelihoods.
Mike Horsfall’s groundbreaking VanGuardian alarm system caught the attention of bosses at YESSS Electrical – and a new partnership means it’s available through their branches nationwide.
VanGuardian is a cost-effective pre-emptive alarm that protects vehicle exteriors from damage and theft.
After being showcased on the BBC Dragon’s Den programme to great acclaim earlier this year, the patented product is now being stocked in YESSS Electrical’s 96 UK outlets and online.
Heating engineer Mike Horsfall created the VanGuardian concept after spending more than 35 years as a tradesman in Leeds.
Sick of losing tools, materials and other personal and work assets to thieves repeatedly targeting his van, and disillusioned at the lack of an affordable alternative security product, he came up with his own solution.
The VanGuardian alarm fixes securely to the outside of a vehicle and deters theft by activating on contact, providing a 110dB audible alert to thwart the actions of anyone touching a door or panel, preventing criminal damage and protecting valuables.
Designed and developed in the UK, it requires no drilling or wiring to install and as well as covering rear, side and cargo doors, it can be used as a highly effective pipe carrier and roof rack alarm.
After proving popular with tradesmen, the range is now being widely used to protect motorhomes, caravans, horseboxes and camper vans, giving owners peace of mind while they sleep, or when the vehicle is parked up at home.
At its core are highly responsive triaxial accelerometers that detect contact, and the system’s seven levels of sensitivity adjustment ensure precise detection, ignoring false alarms from environmental factors like wind.
Mike said: “Standard factory-fitted alarms activating after the doors are open is too late – the damage is done! And the trend towards adding locks also does not deter van crime if thieves are afforded the time to operate.
“I looked at existing technology and thought about how it could work for us. Now VanGuardian draws instant attention to criminal activity, eliminating the time that thieves need to operate and forcing them to retreat before any damage is done. It’s also a really strong visual deterrent to potential thieves.”
In February 2023 Michael appeared on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den programme to secure investment, but while his creation impressed the panel, he left empty-handed. He is already working on a new version of the VanGuardian alarm with upgraded features, as well as new security products aimed at the sport and leisure market.
Adam Padley, head of YESSS Electrical’s Security Division, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Mike and the team at VanGuardian. We know all too well working with tradespeople how van crime is on the rise, with vehicles being damaged and tools stolen in the process.
“Most van alarm systems won’t alert you in time due to them only activating once your van has been breached, meaning your tools will have been stolen before you can alert authorities.”
More information on VanGuardian can be found here.
Leading sustainable property company Citu has released the second phase of homes at ‘Stall’, a new community of 50 zero carbon properties currently under construction on forgotten brownfield land off Wyther Lane.
Since plans were announced in 2022, more than 1,400 people joined a waiting list for the multi-million pound scheme with the first phase of homes selling out off-plan last year.
There are now a further six apartments and four houses available to purchase at ‘Stall’, which has been designed to give equal priority to the needs of residents and the natural environment, with the first homes due to be ready to move into by summer 2024.
Four-bedroom houses start from £450,000; two-bedroom apartments from £275,000 and one-bedroom apartments from £182,500.
Virtual reality walk-throughs have been created by the company’s in-house design team which means that customers can experience the interiors of the available property types. Interested purchasers can book to experience the ‘VR Show Homes’ at a special open day on Saturday, 13 January between 10am and 3pm at the Stall site on Wyther Lane, Leeds.
Located off the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, ‘Stall’ includes a green corridor that passes Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve and the famous Kirkstall Abbey, an easy route for cycling (13 minutes) and walking (40 minutes) straight into the heart of central Leeds.
Jonathan Wilson, Managing Director of Citu, said: “We’reexcited to introduce ‘Stall’ to the wider market and to hear how people respond to the designs and the setting.
“‘Stall’ is an evolution of the principles we’ve developed on our journey to challenge the norms in housebuilding, enabling people to live more sustainably, in healthy and inspiring places that they can call home. More than that, ‘Stall’ residents will be able to enjoy the benefits that high performing energy efficiency already is making to the lives and household budgets of our residents currently living in Citu homes elsewhere in Leeds and in Sheffield.
“‘Stall’ makes it easy for people to choose zero-carbon living. Set apart from – and at the heart of – city living, these homes are designed to capture the surrounding natural views, alongside striking architectural details such as decks cantilevering over the canal.”
The name ‘Stall’ is a nod to the origins of Kirkstall which is formed from ‘stall’ meaning ‘place’ and ‘Kirk’ the historic word for ‘church’ – a reference to the area’s 800-year-old Kirkstall Abbey, one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain.
To book an appointment for the Stall open weekend on January 13, book a separate tour of the CID show home or to register your interest for future releases, e-mail sales@citu.co.uk or call 0113 320 2357.
Armley-based Interplay Theatre has announced its first sensory theatre symposium, which will explore the latest in sensory theatre.
The day, hosted and supported by Leeds Playhouse, will see a host of artists, programmers and companies who specialise in work for learning disabled audiences, along with audience members themselves, discuss the possibilities and importance of sensory work.
Attendees with PMLD (profound multiple learning disability) and/or complex needs can experience the symposium through all the senses, with interactive installations, shows and sensory sessions running all day. The event is also offered digitally via a monitored Zoom stream, which means participants nationally and internationally can contribute to the day’s discussions and events, for £10 a ticket.
With a number of new and emerging companies entering the sensory scene with different approaches to making sensory theatre, Interplay Theatre aims to bring together networks from across the UK to discuss these perspectives in collaborative sessions, highlighting especially, the wants and needs of audience members.
Artists appearing include:
Jeremy Harrison, an artist and researcher from Playground (Kent) and Rose Bruford College, who is an industry leader in Sensory Theatre practice
Mind the Gap artist JoAnne Haines who has recently toured her sensory show Dancing with Colours to learning disabled and non-disabled audiences across Yorkshire
Diane Thornton from Tenterhooks, whose show MESS, a performance for young people with complex needs, has just finished a SEN Schools tour with National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate.
Lucy Garland and Amber Onat Gregory, Joint Artistic Directors of Frozen Light, who create multi-sensory theatre for audiences with PMLD in theatres and arts venues nationwide
They will be joined by an array of representatives from organisations Interplay Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and Oily Cart, who have been making and touring sensory theatre since 1981. There will be audience representatives from Buzz @ Leeds Playhouse, which provides creative activity for young people with learning disabilities, and teachers and students from local schools John Jamieson School East SILC and Broomfield South SILC.
Delegates will also be able to see Interplay Theatre’s show My Life with The Wave, a story of friendship beneath the waves which uses music, movement, digital technology and physical interaction to help engage audiences in a multi-sensory accessible and inclusive performance. The performances will be available throughout the day at 11am, 1.30pm and 6pm.
Sensory Theatre communicates through all the senses and reimagines ways to engage audiences who may not follow language. It can be immersive, non-verbal, highly visual, tactile and include a whole myriad of techniques to engage audiences in ways not traditionally seen in theatre.
Kirsty Pennycook, the new artistic director at Interplay Theatre said: “We are really looking forward to the Symposium to share practice with other artists and companies, and welcome in venues and programmers from across the UK. With the support of Leeds Playhouse, we are ensuring that this day is accessible to people with learning disabilities and sensory needs, and their presence on our panels will be instrumental.”
Interplay has a 50-year history of working with the communities of West Leeds and an international reputation for its sensory theatre produced with and for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, which it tours nationally.
Their recent productions include My Life with the Wave, a story of friendship which used music, movement, digital technology and physical interaction to help engage audiences and This Land, the story of folk hero Woody Gutherie which immersed audiences in the in the action as it unfolded around them, with sights, smells, tastes heightening the experience.
The event runs at Leeds Playhouse on 1 February 2024, from 10am-4pm. Digital tickets priced £10 can be bought here.
Work has started on repairing the gable end of historic Bramley Baths. Photo: Bramley Baths
Historic Bramley Baths has announced vital restoration work on part of its Edwardian Grade II Listed building.
The Baths, on Broad Lane, dates back to 1904 and is undertaking restorative and structural work on the west gable end of the building over the coming months.
Baths CEO David Wilford said: “The longevity of our building is of paramount importance to us and our community. All necessary work undertaken will be completed to the highest standard and will further preserve our local asset.
“Please rest assured that the conservation office at Leeds City Council are fully aware and supportive of our endeavours. Furthermore, all work has been carefully planned by consulting with several experts in the field of restorative heritage projects.
“We expect the work to be completed by Easter with minimum disruption to the operation.”
The work includes repairs to the gable end of Bramley Baths.
The Baths last year celebrated a decade since the facility – which houses a swimming pool, modern gym and space for fitness classes – became an independent community led facility following the threat of closure due to local authority budget cuts.
Bramley Baths is the only remaining Edwardian bath-house in Leeds.
It first opened as a pool and public bath-house in 1904 in response to a cholera outbreak, enabling Bramley residents to wash, swim and use the Russian Steam Baths, fashionable with the Edwardians as a healthy pastime. Originally a steel foundry, the building’s chimney can be seen across Leeds.
A popular Burley dental practice could be extended, if Leeds City Council approve recently submitted plans.
Burley House Dental Care is based on the ground floor of a former house, with a residential apartment on the first floor. Plans include single storey side extensions and change of use of the first floor to dental surgery.
The applicant says the proposals are to allow the practice, based on Burley Road, to meet regulatory requirements. The proposal consists of a modest extension to the front and another single storey extension to the rear to create a recovery room.
There would be a change of use of the first floor to create staff facilities, a decontamination room and medical supply store. The existing bathroom would be retained for staff washing facilities.
The proposal also includes internal remodelling of the ground floor areas to create an accessible WC, and wider corridor for easier movement for the wheelchair bound patients.
A planning statement submitted with the application concluded: “The current proposal is to extend the dental practice including the change of use of the existing residential apartment on the first floor is mainly to achieve compliance with all regulatory requirements rather than increase in patient number.
“The proposed extensions have been designed to address officers concerns on the previous refused scheme to achieve a reasonable design that is compatible and accord with the relevant planning policies to avoid overlooking, overbearing and over dominance of the proposed extensions on the adjoining property.
“The scheme has been designed to be sympathetic with the host building as well as the immediate neighbourhood and context.”
Farsley Celtic Football Club are opening the doors of their clubhouse on Wednesday for anyone who fancies a free cup of tea, coffee or a chance to re-charge their phone or other devices.
The idea is to create a warm and welcoming place for people to come for a cuppa and a chat every Wednesday morning, 9.30am-11.30am for a cuppa and biscuit.
“We’d love as many people to come and make use of our ‘Welcome Space’ as possible,” said a club spokesperson. “We’re a local community club and want to do our bit to support the community this winter. All are very welcome to attend!”
The first Welcome Space runs in The Nest at The Citadel football ground, off Newlands, this Wednesday, 10 January 2024.
