Fears over new Leeds homes scheme

Plans have been revealed to build 550 homes at Lane Side Farm, Victoria Road, Churwell. Residents are furious and say the area's schools are already over-subscribed.

Applicant Persimmon Homes and Priestgate Morley Limited have lodged outline plans to redevelop farmland off Victoria Road in Churwell into up to 550 houses.

However, fears have been raised that the health services and schools in the area, which are already nearly full, will not be able to cope with the demand if the plans are approved.

Councillor Robert Finnigan, leader of the Morley Borough Independent Group, said: “We will be opposing this application because of its impact on local infrastructure as local primary schools are full and the local health centre cannot cope with the number of patients this proposal will bring.

“This is a phase two site in the Local Plan which means it should not be used for residential development until all phase one sites are all used up – which is post 2028.

“High schools are also full with several appeals being lodged for children presently in the area.”

Coun Finnigan said if the plans go ahead, the development would bring an additional 137 primary school children and more than 30 secondary children who “cannot be accommodated in local schools”.

A public meeting is being organised by ward councillors in Morley over the next fortnight to give residents more information about the plans. The 24-hectare Lane Side Farm site, located off Churwell Hill, is currently listed as greenfield.

A planning statement, submitted by Barton Willmore on behalf of the applicants, said: “It is clear that the development would not lead to harm that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the significant benefits that the scheme would bring.”