Sponsored by
Moortown residents in campaign to save their 'green oasis'
Residents in Moortown have launched a campaign to save a small area of woodland near their homes.
* Click here to sign up to free news and sport email alerts from Moortown Today.
Leeds City Council has received a planning application for three detached houses to be built on the land – which has been described as a green oasis.
* Click here to become a fan of Moortown Today on Facebook.
The trees stand between Valley Terrace and the Ring Road at Moortown.
Part of a bungalow in Valley Terrace would be demolished to create access to the area.
But people whose homes are close to the green area are objecting to the scheme.
They say the trees are covered by a protection order and provide natural beauty in an urban area.
The site is surrounded by housing and the residents also have concerns over the proposal to create access by partially knocking down a bungalow.
They argue the access road will be inadequate and not wide enough for ambulances or fire engines.
Julia Marchant-Bottomley, one of those objecting, said: "This small wood is a real asset to the area. It really is a green oasis and provides a lovely view for everyone who lives in the area. It would be a terrible shame if it was given over to housing.
"They also help block out noise from the Ring Road. The applicants have talked about planting saplings but they will take many years to grow to the size of the trees that are to be lost.
"There is also a traffic concern. Valley Terrace is already used as a cut through by traffic going up to Shadwell and more houses will mean more cars."
She said people in the area were united in their opposition to the plan and added: "Everyone in the community has really come together over this. Nobody wants it to go ahead."
The campaigners have won the backing of Fabian Hamilton MP (Lab, Leeds North West), whose own website is currently hosting a micro-site giving details of the planning application and explaining how to object.
He said: "The objectors have my full support. This area is really delightful and it's something that should be preserved, not destroyed."
The application is in the name of Mr Bains and agents for the scheme are Studio Map Ltd, of Harrogate.
Studio Map said they did not wish to comment.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Friday 18 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
