Memories of the controversial £70 million plan to redevelop Kirkstall Valley

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