Government Says No to "Ashore" Policy (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Government Says No to "Ashore" Policy

December 1, 2005 12:00 AM

Commenting on the Government's failure to support the Council's policy to restrict further student developments in Headingley Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem) said:

"I feel deeply disappointed and let down by this decision, which seems crazy when the Council's proposals were supported by local Councillors, residents and the universities."

He added "Not only does the Bristol based inspector fail to appreciate the immense pressures Headingley is already under as a result of the population imbalance, but he seems to think that more student developments are actually a good thing!"

Councillor Hamilton concluded, "We cannot and will not let this go unchallenged."

Notes to Editors

The Council's proposed amendments to the UDP would have created an "Area of Student Housing Restraint" which would have:

refused permission for any new student properties in the Headingley area.
refused extensions to existing student properties.
placed conditions on all new planning applications to prevent properties from becoming student dwellings in future.

However the Inspector's findings:

suggest that singling out students is discriminatory and so we cannot refuse applications just because they will involve a net increase in student numbers.
suggest a more general measure which is about the general balance of the area and amenity issues including provision of parking.
suggest more purpose built student accommodation in the area as a good thing.

One interpretation of this ruling is that sites such as the Leeds Girls High School, when it becomes vacant, could be considered as an appropriate site for student accommodation

The report can be found on the Council's web-site from Wednesday 30 November 2005 (at www.leeds.gov.uk/planning > Unitary Development Plan & Related SPG's folder). Copies will also be available for inspection at the Council's offices at the Development Enquiry Centre, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8 HD.

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.