Plans revealed to develop land owned by Leeds Rhinos to pay for stadium upgrade

The Rugby League club held a public consultation over proposals to develop land at Old Thorpe Lane, Tingley, into 170 homes last week.

Objectors say the development, which would help fund a revamp of the stadium’s north and south stands, would put a “burden” on surrounding roads, public transport, and services in the areas.

Campaigner David Speight, who attended the meeting, said: “This proposed new development will increase the risk to children attending nearby schools and put greater burden on an already stretched health service at the local GPs.

“More traffic will be using Tingley roundabout. Leeds City Council have spent a lot of taxpayer’s money on the upgrade to the junction at the top of Thorpe lane with the A650 Bradford Road. It will make that project a waste of money putting an even greater burden on the A650 Bradford Road through Ardsley and Tingley.”

Headingley Stadium needs upgrades in order for the city to retain an international cricket ground status.

It is used by Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Leeds Rhinos rugby league team and Yorkshire Carnegie rugby union team.

A planning application has not yet been submitted but leaflets detailing the plans were shown to residents at the consultation at Woodkirk Valley Country Club.

The leaflets say the football pitch adjacent to the proposed site would be retained and that the development would include a play space for children and walks along Spink Well Lane and Thorpe Lane.

Coun Jack Dunn (Lab, Ardsley and Robin Hood) has raised concerns that the development would mean the J Six Equestrian Centre could be forced into closure.