Your Leeds local election 2018 A to Z: Ardsley and Robin Hood

THE CANDIDATESBaldwin, Kirsty Elise '“ Conservative PartyCarter, Emma Louise '“ Green PartyDunn, Jack '“ IndependentFoster, Mike '“ Conservative PartyGarner, Ben '“ Labour and Co-operative PartyHall, George Rome '“ Liberal Democrats Mulherin, Lisa Marie '“ Labour and Co-operative PartyRenshaw, Karen '“ Labour and Co-operative PartyStephenson, Cameron Jake '“ Conservative Party

PROTECTING the green belt from development has been a long-running and dominant issue in the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward.

Just a few weeks ago, the YEP reported that developers were facing a backlash from residents after submitting plans to build 299 homes near woodland off Westerton Road and Haigh Moor Road in West Ardsley.

Campaigners say the development would “erode” green space in the area.

The area also takes in Tingley and Weetwood, where the withdrawal of two planning applications for housing in the Green Belt that had been linked to the Headingley Stadium redevelopment caused much joy.

Allied to the widespread development fears is concern that local infrastructure just won’t cope with the pace of proposed new builds.

GP services are already oversubscribed and there are fears over other services.

Just this month, a proposed GP practice scheme in East Ardsley – alongside shops and homes – was deferred by a plans panel. The village currently has no GP surgery, An initial plan was tabled in 2005, but the developer pulled out of that deal before work began. The latest plans had received a fair amount of support, although there have also been a few concerns about layout of the wider scheme.

Another development – the Church Fields site – was rejected by Leeds City Council but the decision was overturned by a planning inspector.

The area has been growing fast in recent years.

As well as medical facilities, locals want to see more reassurances that adequate school places will be provided to meet rising demand. Another area of concern is a perceived lack of pedestrian safety. One observer noted community money linked to a supermarket development which straddles two wards was not filtering down to Ardsley and Robin Hood. Locals want decision makers on highways improvements to be “proactive instead of reactive”.