Pudsey housing development may be approved, despite environmental concerns

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September 27, 2019

Plans for 21 houses in Pudsey could receive the green light – despite concerns about their impact on the community and environment.

The site, on Hare Lane, already has outline planning approval for the principle of residential development only for up to 21 units on the site of a (former) manufacturing business.

The outline approval is accompanied by legal agreement requiring improvements to Hare Lane, on-site greenspace, a replacement footpath and affordable housing.

But residents claim the number of houses will harm the local character of the area, have a detrimental impact on highway safety and have environmental implications.

They also say neighbouring properties will lose their privacy and outlook.

But a council planning officer’s report to be considered next week recommends approval,.

It claims issues with the development won’t ‘significantly and demonstrably’ outweigh its benefits in terms of national planning policy. It concludes:

“The proposal offers good quality design and a layout that responds to the site’s constraining steep ground levels whilst offering good levels of green-space that now exceeds [planning policy] requirements…
“It is considered the proposal will provide good levels of habitation in an attractive and secluded setting. The housing proposed would act to improve the quality of the area above that of the existing industrial buildings.”

The proposals are recommended for approval at next Thursday’s south and west panel at Leeds Civic Hall, subject to conditions including affordable housing provision, on-site green-space and the maintenance of Hare Lane.

Read the council report in full here.

Council to decide Priesthorpe’s gate opening policy following safety concerns

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September 27, 2019

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Planners will next week decide proposals to increase the opening times of a school gate which links Co-op Academy Priesthorpe to Rockwood Road.

The plans, which have received 29 objections mainly surrounding road safety, were due to be considered at August’s south and west plans panel meeting at Leeds Civic hall.

But members decided to defer the application as the day of their planned site visit was the very start of the new school year, and many pupils were due back until later that week and that the gates and ginnel in question would not be in full use.

The school currently has permission to open the gate 30 minutes before and after to the start of the school day, as well as 30 minutes before and after the end.

The school is asking for revised opening times.

They want the gate to be open 30 minutes before the start of school day and close 15 minutes after the start; and open 15 minutes prior to end of the school day and close 75 minutes after the end of the school day.

But local residents are objecting on the grounds of dangerous and inconsiderate parking from parents, litter, rude and abusive behaviour, no consultation and poor public relations with the school.

Cllrs Andrew and Amanda Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) have objected on the grounds of highway safety, conflicting vehicle movements and that the school should effectively organise better its school day without adversely further affecting local residents.

peter carlill farsley — Cllr Peter Carlill

Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) has objected due to the ‘severe amount of inappropriate parkin’g, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour that are completely unsuitable down such a small street.

He says residents already have to endure cars parked for up to two hours outside their houses, often blocking driveways and in some cases leading to threats of violence when asked to move.

A report by planning officer Nigel Wren recommends the plans are approved at next Thursday’s south and west plans panel meeting. The report concludes:

“Matters raised in relation to the alleged behaviour of drivers, anti-social activities and littering are not issues which can be covered by planning controls and would be a matter for the police to investigate.
“It is considered that the variation of the planning permission to extend the opening time of the gate connecting Priesthorpe School to the Rockwood Estate, as detailed above, is acceptable.
“The proposal is considered to be policy compliant and it is not considered to adversely impact on the amenity of nearby residents and would not be detrimental to highway safety.”

The report can be read in full here.

Farsley Farmers Market to make a fruity return

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September 27, 2019

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After an August summer break, Farsley Farmers Market returns this weekend with a fruity twist – apple juicing, writes Keely Bannister.

Alongside the market traders, Farsley Community Orchard representatives will be at St John’s Church this Saturday 28th from 9am until 12.30pm with freshly picked apples making apple juice for all to enjoy.

Matthew Tiffany is also returning to entertain, and train, the kids in the art of juggling.

Stall holders selling their wares will include many favourites such as Farsley Smokehouse to satisfy your meat needs, Calverley Beekeepers (who have a hive in the grounds of St John’s Church) for a little extra sweetness, Pots ‘n’ Posies which is run by a Farsley family and, after the heatwave put paid to their baking plans, Yorkshire Pie Co return.

Going to the market? Why not share your pics and thoughts with The Dispatch by @ing us in your Facebook posts, Twitter or Instagram uploads!

Pudsey Crawshaw seeks alumni

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September 27, 2019

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crawshaw academy pudsey — Crawshaw Academy, Pudsey. Photo: Google

Did you got to Crawshaw Academy in Pudsey? The school would love to hear from you!

The Robin Lane academy, formerly Crawshaw School, is in the process of gathering together as much information as it can about some of the thousands of former students.

Jacqui Harrison, a PA at the academy, said:

“If you could find the time it would be great to hear about your careers, adventures and travels.”

E-mail jacqui.harrison@crawshawacademy.org.uk with more information so that she can build a Crawshaw Alumni Network.

Call to reopen lost railway stations of West Leeds to combat climate change

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September 25, 2019

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A senior politician and environmental campaigner in West Leeds has called on transport chiefs to reopen some of the city’s lost railway stations, writes local democracy reporter Richard Beecham.

The leader of the council’s Green Party group Coun David Blackburn (Farnley & Wortley) told a meeting of the authority’s climate emergency board that plans to expand park and ride schemes were not environmentally friendly enough, and that west Leeds should have extra rail stations to combat CO2 emissions.

His comments came during a discussion about a report looking into the future of public transport in the city. He added that, should railway stations decommissioned decades ago be reopened, people would use them.

david blackburn farnley and wortley — Cllr David Blackburn

Coun Blackburn told the meeting:

“This report tells us what we are doing and some of it is very good. What about climate change?
“Park and ride is a very effective way of stopping vehicles going into the town, but it is not a modal shift. I have supported introducing park and ride because it keeps vehicles out of the town centre. But we want to get people out of those vehicles coming into the city.
“That needs proper public transport. It has to come from West Yorkshire, but a lot of our problems come from North Yorkshire and Harrogate.”

He added that a local government body responsible for public transport, such as TfL in London, was needed:

“In West Leeds we have got one station, in Bramley,” he said. “We used to have loads, but they have been closed many years ago. If they were reopened, they would be used, but we are not looking at that.”

Coun Blackburn referred to a report by government transport expert Dr Richard Beeching in the 1960s, which led to the closure of a number of Leeds’s smaller stations.

He added:

“We are not looking at the infrastructure closed down by Dr Beeching – there is still some structure there that we can use.
“We need government money. I have always supported [head of regional transport authority] Kim Groves’s position to get money from central government.
“But the ambition is not there, and what we are doing now is not good enough.”

A number of stations in west Leeds, including Armley Canal Road, Kirkstall, Lowtown in Pudsey and Stanningley were closed in the 1960s following the Beeching report.

A council officer responded to Coun Blackburn’s comments:

“There have been some modal shift on park and ride. I started at the council 12 years ago, and consultants advised us park and rides wouldn’t work. Now we can’t build them quickly enough.
“We need an integrated transport strategy, it goes out much further than Leeds and out to West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.
“There is a lot of work going on about mass rapid transit going out towards the Bradford corridor and east Leeds. But, again, funding is an issue.”

3,401 responses delivered over Tong-Fulneck Valley green belt plans

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September 25, 2019

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tong fulneck valley — Tong-Fulneck valley, Pudsey

Campaigners fighting proposals to build in the green belt between Tong and Fulneck in Pudsey have handed 3,401 responses to Bradford City Council.

Members of the Save Tong and Fulneck Valley Association delivered the responses to the offices of Bradford Council, with representatives saying many more comments would come from people online. A further 2,200 names have been added to an online petition.

Bradford Council is consulting on its Local Plan, which will allocate areas for future housing, business use and new infrastructure, like roads.

The council say that development in the Tong-Fulneck valley – which would see a link road built to support around 2,500 homes and industrial units – would reduce congestion as well as helping to regenerate South Bradford.

Objectors to the scheme – such as local Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew and the Conservative councillors in Pudsey and Calverley & Farsley wards – believe it could do irreparable damage to the greenbelt between Leeds and Bradford.

They also say it could have a far-reaching impact on West Leeds if the road expands to also include connectivity to Leeds Bradford Airport, as is suggested in a West Yorkshire Combined Authority report.

tong fulneck valley opposition bramley park — An objector at Bramley Parkrun last week. Photo: Simon Cullingworth

The responses submitted to Bradford Council this week follow a last-gasp push in areas including Pudsey and Bramley.

Bramley RLFC legends: Jack Austin

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September 25, 2019

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Continuing the series looking at legends from Bramley Rugby League Club, Paul Abraham this week looks at try scorer extraordinaire Jack Austin …

Having played at Wakefield and Castleford (where he scored the only try in Castleford’s 7-2 victory in the 1966 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final against Swinton) Jack Austin signed for Bramley for the 1969/70 season and made a try-scoring debut in a tremendous 16-15 home victory against Hull.

The next game, which was also at home, he scored again although this time for the losing side as Bramley went down 13-22. It is interesting that Jack made all his appearances that season on the right wing and not his favoured left wing.

Further tries came in victories at Doncaster (16-0) and Blackpool (15-4) and the home games against York (16-12) and Blackpool (14-0) to finish his first season at McClaren Field with 6 tries in 24 appearances.

With Peter Goodchild now owning the number two jersey, Jack found himself back in his favoured position on the left wing and celebrated with 2 tries in the first three matches of the 1970/71 season in home victories against Halifax (17-5) and Bradford in the Yorkshire Cup (27-5) although during September and October he played 3 matches as left centre to Malcolm Craker.

A 27-24 home victory against Batley saw Jack cross for his first brace of tries, this was followed by another five in total during the remaining part of the season. His nine tries putting him behind Peter Goodchild with 15 and Johnny Wolford with ten.

By now Jack had become a cult hero at Bramley with his no-nonsense style of play.

Jack’s view was why waste energy side-stepping or swerving around an opponent when you could run through and over them!

The 1971-72 season saw Jack score in the first match of the season at home to Halifax in an 18-12 Yorkshire cup victory and in the final game of the season an 8-17 defeat at home to Widnes.

The rest of the season brought another eight tries including a try in the tough 8-2 away victory against Whitehaven and two tries in the home victories versus Whitehaven (24-5) and Rochdale Hornets (18-5), this season Jack was second in the Bramley try-scoring list behind 14 try Peter Goodchild.

Bramley were now about to start a golden era in the club’s long history and the 1972/73 season started win Bramley winning their first four matches with Jack crossing for 4 tries, one against Leigh (15-13) and at Hunslet (20-7) and two in a 13-10 home victory against Batley.

Bramley’s first defeat was at Castleford (0-18) where future Castleford legend John Joyner made his debut against Jack and said at the end of his career it was certainly a baptism of fire and Jack was the hardest and toughest player he ever faced!

Jack finished with a personal best of 14 tries in the season including braces in a 34-6 home win against Doncaster and in an impressive 20-13 McClaren Field victory against Bradford Northern.

Although he had to be content with helping Bramley reach the new First Division for the 1973/74 season after finishing behind new Bramley-tries-in-a-season record holder Alan Smith, with 20 tries beating the previous record of 19.

The 1973/74 season to be Jack’s and Bramley’s finest season before he tragically broke his leg in the 17-13 Good Friday victory at Headingley which all but secured Bramley’s survival against relegation in the first division.

His try tally at the time was 18 and looked as though he could equal or beat Alan Smith’s record. His first try of the season came in a superb 30-17 victory at the Watersheddings as Oldham put to the sword.

A week later and two tries were scored as Hull were defeated 20-12 in the John Player trophy.

The quarter-final of the BBC 2 Floodlit trophy competition saw Bramley trail 0-2 at half-time, before the live television coverage started (they only used to show the second half of the featured matches) and Bramley celebrated national coverage by scoring 13 unanswered points with Jack crossing for one of the tries.

The next game saw Bramley play Castleford in the league at Wheldon Road and Jack came away with a brace of tries in a 14-10 victory.

The BBC 2 Floodlit final against the star-studded Widnes side was to be the club’s finest 80 minutes with Jack scoring the first try in an amazing 15-7 victory which shook the sporting world, the following match and a lap of honour before the match versus Whitehaven was celebrated by a brace of tries for Jack.

A try in a pulsating 11-8 victory at Keighley in the quarter-final of the John Player Trophy took Bramley in to the semi-final and defeat at Rochdale Hornets.

A purple patch in January and February resulted in 5 tries in 4 games as he scored two in an 8-5 RL Challenge cup victory at Whitehaven, another two in the 13-31 reverse at Featherstone.

However the first of the five in a nail-biting 15-16 home loss against Featherstone is considered to be the finest of his Bramley career as he went the length of the field knocking would-be tacklers away like flies as he stormed down the touchline in front of the main stand to score what the newspapers classed as the try of the season.

A try in a 5-35 drubbing at home to Wakefield Trinity and what turned out to be his final two tries of the season for him came in an emphatic and memorable 41-20 home victory against Leigh.

After complications and a further fracture Jack finally returned with a try-scoring appearance in a 32-6 away victory at Halifax in the BBC 2 Trophy in September 1975 a full 17 months from the match at Headingley.

He proved he was back to his barn-storming best when scoring ten tries in twelve appearances, including scoring in three consecutive game twice in that period, highlights being a brace against Doncaster at McClaren Field and tries in the 14-all draw at York and 19-13 at Batley. He again had topped the try-scoring list this time with 11 in 22 apperances, five tries ahead of Billy Rowett and Derek Parker.

The 1976/77 season saw Jack score in the first match of the season against Wakefield Trinity in the first round of the Yorkshire Cup in a 7-15 home defeat.

With the arrival of Peter Fox Bramley’s season took an amazing upturn in fortunes and performances with Bramley winning 14 consecutive league games.

Jack was in full flow and during this run scored his one and only hat-trick for the club when he crossed 3 times in a 33-24 home victory against Doncaster, he also scored a brace against a shell-shocked high-flying Dewsbury team as Bramley turned on the style in the John Player Trophy.

He scored in three successive matches by scoring tries in a 15-13 home victory against Dewsbury and in the 21-2 win at Blackpool Borough before scoring his hat-trick.

Other notable victories in which Jack scored included in the away wins at York (15-5) and Swinton (18-12), again he finished as the clubs leading try-scorer for the season with 15 and being ahead of Derek Parker with 13 and John Hay and Peter Goodchild both on 11.

Bramley clinched promotion to the first division after an incredible season and interestingly that out of the 27 matches Jack played that season only five were on the left wing with 15 being played at right centre and seven at left centre.

As Peter Fox left to take over at Bradford he decided to take Jack with him and this resulted in Jack only making two apperances before leaving the black and ambers for the red, black and amber of the Northern. Although gutted by the events, Bramley supporters still had their memories of “fiery Jack” and were happy for him that he gained league and cup honours while at Odsal.

Jack returned to his favourite stomping ground for the 1982/83 season and enjoyed a purple patch during January as he scored tries in the three victories against Huyton away (8-3) and at home versus Cardiff Blue Dragons (31-8) and (Keighley 12-10) he also scored in the 18-12 victory at Fulham, a 13-13 draw at home to Whitehaven, at home to Swinton (34-14) and followed this with two tries in a 31-2 victory at Huyton.

What turned out to be his final try in the Black and Amber of Bramley was scored in a 28-18 victory at York, ending the season with 9 tries in 13 apperances plus 4 as playing substitute, Bramley finishing fifth and just missed out on promotion to the first division.

The following season saw just one full and one substitute appearance before leaving for Dewsbury, his last match being the 80 minutes playing at left centre on September 7^th against Batley in a 14-17 defeat.

Jack Austin’s career record;

1969/70 Apperances 24 Tries 6

1970/71 Appearances 34 Tries 9

1971/72 Appearances 28 Sub Appearances 2 Tries 10

1972/73 Appearances 35 Tries 14

1973/74 Appearances 39 Tries 18

1975/76 Appearances 22 Tries 11

1976/77 Appearances 27 Tries 15

1977/78 Appearances 2

1982/83 Appearances 15 Sub Apperances 4 Tries 9

1983/84 Appearances 1 Sub Apperances 1

Total

Appearances 227

Sub Apps 7

Tries 92

Jack Austin was the leading try-scorer in the Bramley club’s long history and is still second only to Peter Lister’s record-breaking 140.

Pudsey Crawshaw Academy nets good Ofsted report

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September 25, 2019

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Pudsey Crawshaw Academy has retained its ‘good’ status, according to Ofsted inspectors.

There was praise for the ‘highly ambitious’ headteacher, chief executive and governors, who have ‘created an ethos of care and high expectations across the school’.

The report said:

“Pupils make good progress across a range of subjects.
“Leaders place a high priority on pupils’ academic success. They ensure pupils are well prepared for their next steps.
“Teachers are supported effectively by their subject leaders and demonstrate good subject knowledge.
“Pupils are courteous and friendly. The very large majority of pupils enjoy their learning.
“This is supported by positive relationships between pupils and staff.
“Students in the sixth form have high aspirations, and benefit from good careers guidance.”

The reports adds that the Robin Lane school needs to reduce the number of disadvantaged students who are regularly absent and continue to improve its sixth form.

The report can be read in full here.

Pranksters try to close school with fake tweet

Crawshaw students yesterday used their IT skills to mock-up a fake tweet claiming classes were cancelled “due to technical difficulties” before sharing their work on social media.

The T&A reports that fortunately for parents, the school stepped in and posted a real tweet on their account explaining the school was not closed.

Subject to some great photoshopping to create a fake tweet, we can confirm school is OPEN AS USUAL tomorrow. Apologies for any inconvenience.
— CrawshawAcademy (@CrawshawAcademy) September 23, 2019

Young people urged to get active at Armley leisure fair

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September 25, 2019

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dixons unity academy — Dixons Unity Academy.

Young people and families in West Leeds are invited to see the range of activities taking place at a free Sport and Active Lifestyle Fair.

The aim is to showcase the numerous fun and enjoyable activities that are available to children, young people and adults of all ages.

The event is taking place on Thursday, 3 October 2019 from 3pm to 6pm at Dixons Unity Academy in Armley.

There will be an opportunity to have a go at a selection of sports such as tennis, cycling and climbing, watch fun demonstrations by local providers and an opportunity to speak to coaches and volunteers about the activity programmes their organisations can offer.

There will also be other health and physical activity providers on hand to provide advice and information about opportunities for keeping fit and healthy whatever you’re age, along with the local jobshop from Armley Community Hub.

The event will have appearances from Ronnie the Rhino. The first 150 attending the event will receive a free gift, there will also be an opportunity to enter a prize draw for a set of free Leeds United tickets.

If you are interested in playing sport and being more active, or just want to find out more about leisure opportunities in your area then you’re welcome to drop in between 3pm and 6pm to see the range of what’s on offer.

If you have any questions about the event, contact Karen Peck at: karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk,

Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment and active lifestyles, said:

“We want people of all ages in our city to stay fit and healthy, whilst also having fun.
“This special, free event will not only showcase the fantastic programme of activities and classes available at Armley and Pudsey Leisure Centres, but also the tremendous wider offer that is available in west Leeds to residents.”

Stanningley: Restaurant proposals rejected by council

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September 24, 2019

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half mile lane stanningley — Photo: Google

Plans to transform an empty shop into a restaurant/cafe in a residential street in Stanningley have been refused by Leeds City Council.

Farshad Musavi wanted to open his restaurant/cafe in Half Mile Lane.

The business would have created two full time and two part time jobs and have opened from 7am-11pm daily.

But council planning officers said the end terrace property was located in a predominantly residential area.

The property was previously a back-to-back house, although the current use is retail at ground floor with residential accommodation above. The premises is currently vacant.

In refusing permission, a planning officer said there was no allocated parking:

“The proposal is likely to increase the number of vehicles parking on-street in an area where residents have to rely on on-street parking, this raises road safety concerns.”

The report also pointed to noise issues and labelled the decking area ‘incongruous’.

The plans can be viewed in full here.

East restaurant extension refused

Popular East Bar And Grill in Richardshaw Lane, Pudsey, has had its extension plans refused.

Bosses at the restaurant wanted to build two single storey rear extensions, extend an existing roof terrace with stair access and build a new single storey entrance lobby to front.

A planning officer’s report refusing permission says the proposal is acceptable in terms of the design and appearance, but points to concerns over parking at the site and adds:

“The Local Planning Authority considers that this part retrospective application for an enlarged external first-floor drinking terrace by reason of its location, function, hours of use and noise generated by patrons, would lead to increased levels of unacceptable noise and disturbance in close proximity to residential properties, causing significant detriment to the amenity of these occupants.”

Plans can be viewed in full here.

Armley gets arty with new murals

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September 24, 2019

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Words: Sarah Pearson

Photos: Mike Winnard & Lester Drake

Armley residents have celebrated the unveiling of four neighbourhood murals.

Celebrations took place at Assembly House on Canal Road on Saturday 21^st September where residents enjoyed live music and a BBQ, as well as free beer courtesy of Northern Monk Brewery.

There were walking tours of the murals on Armley Park Road, Aviary View and Aviary Place. There was also a chance to meet the artists Josh, Rachel, Sian and George.

Photos by Mike Winnard.

The artists have been specially commissioned by the Armley Murals Project, which is based at Assembly House, an artist-led gallery and studios. The project was set up in response to local residents, who were looking for positive ways to combat graffiti in the area.

Organiser Mike Winnard, of Assembly House said:

“We’ve involved the whole community at every stage of the project. The murals themselves, as well as their locations, were carefully chosen with the full support of residents.”

Photos: Lester Drake.

When chatting about the Welcome to Armley mural on Armley Park Road, Mike said that it’s based on drawings of Armley landmarks that children from neighbouring streets created for them.

Local resident Hayley said:

“It was great to see so many people at the unveiling party, and I really enjoyed the walking tour and seeing the finished murals. It’s really inspired me to think about creative ways that I could get involved in my local community.”

As well as improving community spaces, the project is passionate about supporting new and emerging talent. As part of their commission, the artists will also receive mentoring sessions and follow-up support from professional, full-time mural artists living and working in Leeds.

There are plans to expand the project and create more murals in the area, with the ongoing support of residents, community groups and Leeds City Council.

Anyone wanting to find out more can email Mike at Assembly House at info@assemblyhouse.art.

You can also visit the Assembly House website.

Police release CCTV following Farsley school burglary

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September 24, 2019

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Police are investigating a series of school burglaries in West Leeds.

The most recent burglary happened at Farsley Springbank Primary School, in Wesley Street, Farsley, between 6am and 7am on Saturday.

A window was smashed and the reception area searched but it is not yet known if anything was taken.

Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Officers are looking at a number of other recent similar offences at schools in the area to see if they are linked.

Contact the Leeds West Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101 quoting crime reference 13190485054 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.