Controversial outlines plans for 550 new homes in Morley are approved

Members of Leeds City Council’s city plans panel approved an application by Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire and Priestgate Morley Ltd to build on land at Lane Side Farm off Victoria Road.

Approval of the outline planning application means the council agreed to the development in principle ahead of more detailed plans being drawn up.

Coun Robert Finnigan (Morley North/ Morley Borough Independents) who was among the objectors, said: “We objected because of the significant impact this proposal would have on traffic congestion on Churwell Hill, the lack of school and health centre places and the fact that most of the homes will be executive style housing not affordable homes for local residents.”

Approval was given subject to the developer setting aside land for a new primary school at the site, along with improvements to roads and bus shelters.

Fifteen per cent of homes in the development will be classed as “affordable” under planning rules.

A report to the city plans panel meeting stated that a total of 917 objections were received during the first round of public consultation on the proposed scheme. Complaints were made over the impact of more householders moving to the area on traffic, school places and health services. An objection letter from Morley Town Council read: “This application would significantly increase level of traffic and level of pollution on Churwell Hill. Demand on the infrastructure of the area with schools, doctors and dentists in the area already full. This application would diminish the green ‘belt’ which separates Morley and Churwell.”