Playing fields on Leeds Bradford border are taken over

The authority has acquired recreational land at Woodhall Playing Fields on Woodhall Lane formerly owned by the University of Bradford.

By taking the site into its ownership, the council said it has safeguarded the green space and “protected it from unwanted development”.

And because it is next to Woodhall Lake Leeds Nature Area, which is already managed by the council, the deal creates a “significant sport and outdoor recreation opportunity for use by the local community,” according to the authority.

The council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, Coun Richard Lewis, said: “After long and complex negotiations, getting this deal done was important to secure the future of this area of vital green space.

“Not only does it offer more potential use for sports teams across west Leeds, where we know sports pitches are limited, it also safeguards the site from unwelcome development. As the site is next to Woodhall Lake, under our guardianship the whole area will now be managed in a more joined-up way, ensuring that this important green lung between Leeds and Bradford has been safeguarded for the future.”

The council will manage the six pitches, changing rooms and car park.

As part of the arrangement, the University of Bradford will continue to be able to use the pitches on Wednesday afternoons for student matches.

The rest of the time they will be available for community use through the Leeds Parks and Countryside service, meeting demand for pitches in the west of the city.