Developers drew up plans in the autumn of 1988 to redevelop Kirkstall Valley and create a 400-acre site involving industry, shops and leisure facilities. The proposal included a retail sales area ten times larger than most existing supermarkets as well as 5,000 car parking spaces. The plan sparked outrage in the community which led to packed public meetings allowing angry objectors to raised their concerns. One objector described the scheme as a "planner's dream and everybody else's nightmare". These photos, plucked from the YEP archive, chart the story and are sure to evoke strong passions and emotions for those who remember how the future of Kirkstall Valley dominated debate in the local community and beyond. READ MORE: Memories of the Leeds landmark which powered a city | Kirkstall Road in 28 photos LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
2. Kirkstall Valley
Pudsey-based Mountleigh worked with the council backed Leeds City Development Company to produce the re-development plan.
4. Kirkstall Valley
Leeds City Council's planning committee chairman, Coun Brian Walker, is pictured on a site visit in November 1988. He is pictured with fellow committee members as well as those from the Government backed Leeds Corporation Board.
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Tempers flared in an overcrowded hall at Kirstall Middle School as people condemned the proposals, citing the possibility of worsening traffic problems and the impact on the environment and wildlife.
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By 1993 a plan for a £20m shopping housing and leisure scheme was proposed for Kirkstall Valley prompting fresh objections. Pictured are campaigners Mike Chatwood, Coun John Illingworth, Alison Mander and Jack Lamb.