Planning inspector refuses Horsforth housing appeal

By John Baron

An independent planning inspector has refused an appeal to overturn Leeds City Council’s decision to reject plans for housing in Horsforth.

The application, by Mr W Machell, was for nine dwellings and access at disused land near Wood Lane and Cragg Hill Farm.

The most recent application was submitted last May and was subsequently refused by Leeds City Council in July. The developer then launched an appeal against the refusal decision. 

The plans had been opposed by local residents, Horsforth Town Council and Horsforth’s city councillors, who labelled the proposals ‘wholly unsuitable‘.

Concerns included the suitability of Wood Lane to handle additional traffic and a ‘significant harm’ the houses could cause to the character of a conservation area.

In a report issued this week, planning inspector KA Taylor concluded: “It is understood that the appellant has gone some way to address concerns and observations throughout the process.

“However, having considered the appeal scheme, it would be unacceptable on biodiversity, highway safety and would cause harm to protected species, trees and designated heritage assets which overall attract significant weight against the grant of planning permission.

“I recognise that the appeal scheme would have benefits with regard to the supply of housing in the borough, [and] the contribution both construction opportunities and any future occupiers would make to the local economy.

“However, these benefits would be limited due to the quantum of development proposed and do not outweigh the policy conflicts and harm.

“The proposed development would be contrary to the development plan and the Framework, taken as a whole.”

The planning inspector’s decision can be read in full here.

• The Cragg Hill and Woodside Residents’ Group is holding its AGM tonight (Friday, 24 October) at Cragg Hill Baptist Church. Topics include the future of the site.

The group was formed in 2009 to protect and enhance the buildings and green spaces within and around the Cragg Hill and Woodside Conservation Area.

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