Concerns grow over Armley studio rooms proposal

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January 24, 2020

Opposition is growing to plans to transform a former industrial site in Armley into 146 studio rooms.

London-based Developers Armley Ltd want to demolish the largely disused Cottage Laundry buildings off Edinburgh Grove into a ‘co-housing’ site with 146 studio rooms, a shared workspace and a cafe bar and restaurant.

The proposals are aimed at students and young professionals. Developers say tenants would dip into the communal activities and shared meeting spaces on offer and there is an emphasis on fostering community spirit

But the plans have been met with concern from residents and local politicians.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves said:

“Residents have raised concerns that such a high density of student accommodation would massively increase the demand on services such as refuse collections and parking.
“I am also advised that, as this is a predominantly residential area, with mainly young families, introducing a large number of students into the area would be unsuitable and may cause a number of anti-social behaviour issues.”

Cllr Lou Cunningham (Lab, Armley) had concerns about the size of the apartments. She said:

“Councillors McKenna, Smart and I would like to present our objection to the proposed development at 16-18 Edinburgh Grove.
“This residential area is already impacted by high-density dwellings and to continue to permit a build with such a projection of occupants will compound the over intensification of use and have a knock on effect onto local residents and amenities, including access and parking issues. “

Objector R Ahmed said

“The current proposal looks like it has extremely compact apartments with an underground social/ living space that is supposed to be an area where people will reside. Just the size of it and the ceiling height will result in a very squat [and] depressing space.
“When individuals move in they bring their friends round, have no respect for local families, stay out till late outside their properties and cause a nuisance. Imagine 150 of these individuals with all their baggage in that downstairs ‘social’ space. “

Ibrar Razak added:

“I live here with my family and we see the litter/dog poo/noise/drugs in the area on a day-to-day basis. A huge block filled with one bedroom flats is not good for the area and will only result in the further deterioration of the area. Hardly any car parking spaces are included, where are they all going to park?”

Concerns have also been expressed that the project isn’t a genuine community-led co-housing project.

but developers say in a design and access statement that the rooms would be serviced and occupied by students and young professionals.

Most studios would be 30 square metres in size and contain a kitchenette and a shower room, with facilities for dining and entertainment provided elsewhere in the complex.

The proposals are only at outline stage, so developers are attempting to establish whether the principle of the development would be acceptable before submitting more detailed plans.

New buildings on site could be up to three storeys high in places, with developers arguing the new building would be of ‘better architectural quality’ than the current run-down building.

Entrance would be off Highthorne Road and there are proposals for parking for 12 cars and 140 bicycles, with developers arguing there is free parking space locally and good access to public transport.

The plans, which were first submitted in November, can be viewed in full – and commented upon – here.#

Bramley & Stanningley Forum: Anti-social behaviour on agenda

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January 24, 2020

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eric atkinson centre bramley — Venue: The Eric Atkinson Centre in Bramley.

Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum returns next week with anti-social behaviour and police updates on the agenda, writes Keely Bannister.

Representatives from the Leeds anti-social behaviour team will be on hand to speak about local news and issues with noise nuisance, safeguarding of vulnerable people and the out of hours service as well as answer residents questions.

The local neighbourhood policing team will also be present to give updates on crime statistics and discuss any problems community members are experiencing.

Being held on Thursday 30th January at the Eric Atkinson Centre on Wellington Gardens, local councillors will be in attendance for the duration of the meeting, which is scheduled for a 7pm start.

Everyone who lives or works in Bramley & Stanningley ward is welcome to attend the meeting.

Farsley: Appeal to find stolen bike that’s helped raise thousands for charity

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January 24, 2020

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A Farsley cyclist is appealing for thieves to return a bike used to raise thousands of pounds for deaf children.

Rich Warren launched the appeal on Twitter after his Blue Trek XCalibre 29″ bike had its lock snipped outside the reception door of Leeds Civic Hall between 6pm and 9pm on Wednesday, 22 January.

Mr Warren, who was attending a bike meeting at the time, tweeted:

“Thief is likely see this tweet due to this Twitter handle attached.
“Bike is used to raise thousands for deaf children and masses of voluntary support for families, communities, people’s health. Already struggling with income due to 2,000 voluntary hours/year – did not need this.”

‼️STOLEN TONIGHT‼️ Blue Trek XCalibre 29"

Lock snipped right outside reception door of #Leeds Civic Hall between 6pm and 9pm Wed 22 Jan during meeting with:@LeedsCyclists @petercarlill @SaferRoadsLeeds @CityConnect1 @BritishCycling @sustrans @LeedsCC_Help pic.twitter.com/FOMcbcrqDd
— Rich Warren (Wozzy) (@RideWozzy) January 22, 2020

Mr Warren is a community stalwart in Farsley, volunteering with the Friends of Hainsworth Park, is a Farsley Festival committee member/organiser and organiser of history walks in the village among other things.

The ardent cyclist told the Dispatch:

“I think it’s just one of those things where I don’t really expect anything to turn up but may have made it slightly harder to handle – especially as I don’t think there’s many that colour.
“Plus genuinely, I do spend so much time getting people to cycle, if it didn’t simply get trashed ended up with someone who used it and otherwise wouldn’t, then that’s a positive.”

Anyone with any information can contact Mr Warren via the Dispatch on news@westleedsdispatch.com or via @ridewozzy on Twitter.

Councillors to visit Bramley house at centre of planning debate

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January 24, 2020

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Plans associated with a new house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Bramley have been deferred in an unusual move by councillors – despite planning officers recommending approval.

Members of the south and west plans panel refused to approve plans for a new bay window in the basement and two light wells to the side and rear of a house in Westover Road.

Members were reluctant to move the officers recommendation after a near one hour debate, citing highways and amenity concerns.

Chair Cllr Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley) moved the motion to approve, which was tied 2:2 with four abstentions. Cllr McKenna declined the option of a casting vote, instead suggesting scrapping the original motion for an alternative, namely deferral for a site visit. This was passed 6:1.

The initial submission was originally advertised as a change of use of the property to a seven-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), including alterations to basement level.

The application was then later revised and the seven-bed HMO was removed from the application and the internal floor plans now show a six-bed HMO. Because of the reduction in bedrooms, the HMO does not require planning permission.

kevin ritchie bramley — Cllr Kevin Ritchie

Cllr Ritchie told the Dispatch:

“It’s very frustrating that this couldn’t have been resolved at Panel on Thursday. My view was the application as presented was necessary to facilitate the increase in rooms to deliver the HMO application approved under permitted development, so gave the opportunity for planners to regain some control.
“However I do understand the paradox elected members found themselves in, with officers strongly advising the application was simply about “cosmetic” alterations, yet councillors recognising the potential damaging effect on highway safety resulting from the increased residential units, delivered by the conversion to a HMO.
“Speaking at Panel I highlighted the highways report, which was inexplicably omitted from the report to panel. This cited concerns over lack of cycle storage, inadequate bin provision and the additional street parking requirement raising safety concerns.
“I think the debate and outcome demonstrated the members (from different political parties) had great sympathy for the damaging impact this will have on the local community, but frustrated the issue of approval for HMO conversion under permitted development prevented their outright refusal.
“I mentioned a similar case in Alwoodley, where a Planning Inspector’s view on highways matters agreed with members of North & East planning committee with their decision to refuse an otherwise policy compliant application.
“I’m adamant, with regard to highway safety, what is unacceptable in Alwoodley Ward, should be equally unacceptable in Bramley & Stanningley Ward.
“Ultimately to get full control of future such planning applications we need an urgent review of Article 4 Direction to remove Permitted Development Rights in these locations were further development will undoubtedly negatively affect the local community. I will continue to press for an urgent review of the policy in Leeds.”

Councillors will visit Westover Road ahead of February’s south and west plans panel meeting.

Rodley Nature Reserve: “Come and help us count birds”

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January 23, 2020

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Rodley Nature Reserve are inviting you to help them count birds this weekend, writes Keely Bannister.

Join us this weekend for @Natures_Voice #BigGardenBirdWatch! #leeds #birds #nature #wildlife #getoutside #yorkshire #rodley #children #weekend https://t.co/SQIxFNCGl1 pic.twitter.com/ydyMgZG479
— Rodley Nature Reserve (@RodleyNR) January 22, 2020

As part of the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch event, the popular Moss Bridge Road site is asking for members of the public to join them in The Mangers and Bee Gardens to help build a snapshot of wildlife numbers across the UK.

People are requested to give one hour of their time between 11am and 3pm on either Saturday 25th or Sunday 26th for the easy and free survey.

Open to all ages, no experience is necessary and all materials needed to take part will be provided, although if you have binoculars at home it would be helpful if you could bring them.

There will also be an opportunity for people to make their own birdseed cake in the visitors centre which they can take home.

This is the second year that the Rodley Nature Reserve has taken part in the birdwatch.

Running for over 40 years, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is an important tool in helping the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds create a “snapshot” of bird numbers across the country, monitor trends and spot problems.

Created in 1999 on the site of a former sewage works, Rodley Nature Reserve has become a firm favourite for bird spotters and wildlife enthusiasts.

30 instances of bird sightings have been recorded so far this year, including a Nuthatch in the Managers Garden, a Little Owl in the same area and – a winter visitor to the Uk – the Pink-footed Goose.

The nature reserve is well signed from the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road and then from the A657 Rodley Town Street (follow the brown direction signs) with limited free on-site car parking available. The venue is serviced by the 35 and 60 bus routes which both stop near the site on Rodley Town Street. Cyclists will find the reserve on the National Cycle Route 66 via the Leeds to Bingley Aire Valley Towpath Route with ample racks to secure cycles outside the visitor centre.

Can’t make it down to Rodley this weekend but interested in birdwatching? Read the first column from our new contributor Linda Jenkinson to help inspire you to start “birding” at home!

Free face painting at this weekend’s Farsley Farmers Market

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January 23, 2020

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Free face painting is just one activity on offer at this weekend’s Farsley Farmers Market, writes Keely Bannister.

A full house of traders is expected at St John’s Church on Saturday 25th from 9am until 12.30pm.

What you doing on Saturday morning? Fancy popping along?

Find us at St Johns Hall and Grounds, LS28 5DJ from 9am – 12.30pm!

We'll have lots on offer and Felix will even be joining us (if you're not sure who he is, then make sure you come and meet him!!)

See ya there! 💜 pic.twitter.com/qzH1ClRpiz
— Cabbage Patch Bakery (@cpatchbakery) 23 January 2020

Old favourites such as Calverley BeeKeepers, Beantastic and Farsley Smokehouse are booked in and they will be joined by two new stalls outside – Pudsey’s Cabbage Patch Bakery and Just Cheesecakes.

The Woodland Trust will be present to catch everyone up with their work and the toy exchange bucket will be available.

Stanningley Road: New traffic cameras will tackle speeding motorists

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January 22, 2020

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stanningley road kfc — Image: Google Maps

Plans to tackle speeding motorists on a notorious section of Stanningley Road through Armley could be in place by April, writes Keely Bannister.

Three mobile speed camera sites are to be created on a stretch of Stanningley Road with one at the Armley Ridge Road junction, one at the junction with the top of Houghley Lane and – possibly – one near the junction with Armley Grange Drive.

The measures are being introduced following a number of fatalities on the road.

Exact details are still being drawn up by contractors on behalf of Leeds City Council, but the cameras will be able to work in both directions (going towards and away from town).

The ambition is to have them up and running by the end of the 2019/20 financial year as this is the budget the money is coming from.

While the cameras will be operated by the West Yorkshire Casualty Prevention Partnership using police vans, the infrastructure to allow them to operate will be installed by Leeds City Council.

Street furniture might need to be moved to allow for vision, and a platform will need to be created for the police vans in the middle of the central reservation.

A senior highways council officer told Armley Forum that it is hoped the cameras will help solve the issues of speeding caused when drivers coming out of town speed away from the bottleneck at the junction with Pasture View, when Stanningley Road becomes two lanes.

The aim is to create uncertainty on where drivers may be caught speeding and encourage a change in behaviour.

The officer acknowledged that the community wanted permanent cameras in the area and said that this is still being pursued but the stretch as road as yet does not meet the strict criteria needed.

Forum members welcomed the news, highlighting the issues they face at the Mike’s Carpets junction, rat running, and the recent tragic deaths near the KFC.

In a bid to tackle some of the issues, community members recently staged their own Armley roads safety day where they monitored drivers behaviour and spent time educating people on the dangers of speeding.

West Yorkshire Casualty Prevention Partnership consists of the five councils of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield along with West Yorkshire Police and the Highways Agency.

It aims to prevent deaths and serious injuries on the roads of West Yorkshire by reducing the level and severity of speeding and red light offences and to improve driving standards through education and enforcement.

Mobile speed camera sites are established following a high number of accidents and speed surveys demonstrating widespread non compliance with the speed limit. They have also been established to counter antisocial speeding when concern has been expressed by residents.

Confirmed: Jump Arena on Redcote Lane ceases trading

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January 22, 2020

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A trampoline park in Burley has closed after the company that runs it ceased trading, it’s been confirmed today.

Jump Arena, in Redcote Lane, has shut alongside parent company Highland One Ltd‘s other site in Gateshead.

The company’s website issued a brief statement:

“Highland One Ltd ceased trading on [Tuesday] 21 January, 2020.”

As revealed exclusively by the Dispatch on Monday, outline plans have been submitted for up to 160 apartments in five blocks on the site, along with a new footbridge.

Armley: New lease of life for abandoned ‘Loony Bin’ eyesore

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January 22, 2020

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The abandoned Loony Bin joke shop in Armley could be set for a new lease of life, it was revealed at a public meeting

The former shop has been closed since the owner was jailed indefintely in January 2012 after he admitted a string of sex assaults on children in his shop as well as at his home in nearby Edinburgh Place.

But Armley Forum members heard last night that Leeds City Council had bought the dilapidated Town Street building via a compulsory purchase order for £76,000.

The building could be put up for sale on March 25.

Forum chair Cllr Jim McKenna said that he and fellow Armley councillors Lou Cunningham and Alice Smart (all Lab) were hoping to use Gateway funding to turn it into an information centre for residents. He added:

“We’re not sure what’s going to happen. But either way – as a new facility or being put up for sale – we should have a resolution by the end of March. If we can get this up and running, it might lift that whole part of Town Street.
“It’s been a long campaign to get the building sorted, with Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves also backing us.
“In my 30 years as a councillor, I cannot remember many compulsory purchase orders being issued by the council, particularly in Armley.”

Nearby residents had complained about the dangerous state of the building and that rat infestations from the building were causing problems.

Local community group All Together Armley, which folded in December 2017, had also worked to tidy the dilapidated building’s appearance and campaigned to get the building made safe.

New Wortley: Plans for community-led social housing submitted

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January 22, 2020

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Innovative proposals to build community-led affordable housing for over 55s in New Wortley have been submitted.

New Wortley Housing Association wants to build 22 affordable rented homes for the over 55s on the site of cleared former local authority housing off Holdforth Place and Holdforth Gardens.

They want to meet the shortage of this type of housing in the area.

new wortley community centre — Hub: New Wortley Community Centre.

The plans include 15 three-bed terraced houses, each suitable for five people. There would also be a block of seven, two bedroom flats suitable for three people.

The development, which features an open public green space, includes parking for 29 cars.

A design statement submitted with the application said:

“The dwellings will be contemporary residences of high-quality design that also stand on their own merits as a blueprint for future housing redevelopment in the area.”

New Wortley Community Association has existed since 1982 and works to provide services and support to the people of New Wortley, which is one of the most deprived parts of Leeds.

They operate and run the New Wortley Community Centre, which is a hub for numerous services and support.

New Wortley Housing Association was set up by the community association to become a Registered Social Landlord and fulfil community aspirations to build high-quality, low cost affordable community owned homes in the area.

The plans can be viewed in full here.

AGM discusses Kirkstall Neighbourhood Plan progress

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January 22, 2020

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A group aiming to provide Kirkstall residents with more of a say over the future of their community will hold its annual general meeting to decide its future priorities.

The Kirkstall Neighbourhood Forum (KNF) was formed to prepare a Kirkstall Neighbourhood Plan, which gives residents better control over new development and greater influence over the spending of local funds.

The plan will also help to consider ways on how to tackle some of the major issues affecting Kirkstall, including traffic congestion.

KNF’s annual general meeting will be held in the Leeds Postal Sports Association Club, Beecroft Street. The meeting starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday 29 January, with doors open from 7pm.

There will be brief reports on finance, membership, public engagement, and on the progress towards the Neighbourhood Plan. There will be opportunities for members to ask questions on all these matters.

The meeting will also elect a Board, whose principal function is to prepare for future public meetings.

The Forum is also a consultee for all current planning applications in Kirkstall Ward.

There will be brief reports on the Artisan application for housing on the former Kirkstall District Centre site.

Other major local applications include the “hybrid” application for foot bridges and public access improvements linked to the Flood Alleviation Scheme.

UPDATED 11.42pm: The wording of the first line of the second paragraph has been changed from ‘has been formed’ to the word ‘was formed’.

Two new companies move into Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills

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January 22, 2020

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sunny bank mills farsley 2 — Sunny Bank Mills landlords William and John Gaunt

Two successful companies have moved into the thriving Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley.

The new tenants at Sunny Bank are medical company Technomed and first aid and safety company White Rose Training.

Technomed have taken office space in the refurbished 10 Old Engine Room, while White Rose Training are moving into Red Lane Mill, which is now fully occupied.

Winner: Sunny Bank Mills, off Farsley Town Street

Techomed’s Mark Pashley said:

“As a technology company, it was important to find somewhere that could support any connectivity needs we have not just now, but in future. Sunny Bank Mills were able to provide high-speed internet links and physical infrastructure that could facilitate our bespoke connections, such as those to the NHS network.
“The move to Sunny Bank Mills for our Northern office is a fundamental building block in this expansion, which will include the ongoing addition of resources such as staff, warehouse space and technical infrastructure.”

Ken Creek of White Rose Training, added:

“We were looking for a suitable permanent base to hold regular open courses for businesses in the Leeds and Bradford area and Sunny Banks Mills is perfect.”

During the past seven years the multi award-winning Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has been transformed into a modern office complex for the 21st century. It is now home to 82 companies, who employ a total of 355 staff.

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse, the owners of Sunny Bank Mills, commented:

“The recent lettings emphasize our focus on achieving a really vibrant mix of occupiers at Sunny Bank Mills. We are also proud of the fact that we have been able to let both these offices without any void periods.
“The refurbished 1912 Mill, where TV’s Heartbeat and Emmerdale were filmed, now has a number of quality occupiers, but 16,000 sq ft of very flexible Grade A office space is available to lease”.