Two organisations have objected to plans to build homes and a supermarket on a former school’s sporting facilities as the decision date draws closer.
As reported in the YEP, developers have submitted plans to build houses, flats and a convenience store on the site of the old Leeds Girls High School sports facilities in Headingley.
More than 100 objections have been filed, including two from two groups – the Open XS cluster of schools and a community football club called Republica Internationale FC.
The Open XS cluster represents five primary schools and one secondary school in the Little London, Woodhouse, Hyde Park and Headingley areas.
The letter, signed by headteachers, points out that the primary schools need an extra 40,846 sq m of space to comply with the School Premises Regulations, while three schools – Brudenell, Quarry Mount and Rosebank – have no playing field space at all.
The letter continues: “In the year of the Olympics and Paralympics, with the huge emphasis on the importance of sports for all and especially in our schools, it seems unbelievable that the sports hall, swimming pool and playing fields are to be sold off to developers.
“With childhood obesity being such a problem in our cluster area, it would be of huge benefit to the schools if we could use these facilities.”
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Republica Internationale FC says it would be keen to lease space at the school should it remain a sporting facility.
Its letter states: “The loss of green space and sports facilities would be detrimental to the health of the local population and young people in the area.
“Proper sports provision is essential to encourage and promote healthier lifestyles.”
Last month, plans to build 94 homes on the main school site were approved after a four-year battle with campaigners.
A decision over the plans for the swimming pool, playing fields and sports hall, submitted by Chartford Homes and Holbeck Land, is due to be made on October 11.
A new action group, Hyde Park Olympic Legacy (HPOL), has been set up to fight the latest scheme.
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