Rothwell residents win the battle against developers (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

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

Rothwell residents win the battle against developers

March 17, 2009 12:00 AM

Offshore developers Oulton Hall (10M) Ltd, who recently acquired large swathes of land in Rothwell, have had their plans to build housing on two Greenfield sites rejected.

Plans for two residential developments off Fleet Lane in Oulton and Royds Lane in Rothwell were first refused by Leeds City Council in May last year. The developer appealed to The Planning Inspectorate who investigated both proposals and announced on Monday 16th they were dismissing both appeals to the delight of local residents and councillors.

Both appeals were dismissed due to the unsuitable locations of the developments. They were not deemed to be adequately served by public transport or have an acceptable walking distance to local amenities. It was felt therefore that future residents on the site would be over- reliant on cars to access jobs, schools and the necessary facilities for families.

The company Oulton Hall (10M) Ltd has previously submitted proposals to build homes on 800 acres of greenbelt land it owns in Rothwell, Oulton and Woodlesford. Plans to build the 9,000 home eco-town development were also scrapped last year after fierce opposition from residents and councillors led to the government backing an alternative proposal.

Cllr Stewart Golton (Lib Dem, Rothwell) said:

"This was a real David and Goliath contest, and is a real testament to people power. We fought for our rights as local residents to be the architects of the future of our community, not some rich outsider."

Cllr Steve Smith (Lib Dem, Rothwell, Executive Member for Environmental Services) said:

"The Council was right to refuse both applications due to the lack of sustainability of the sites. We should be doing everything we can to encourage people to use public transport and thus protect our environment.

"Developments of this nature would go against our policy of sustainable development and preserving our greenbelt land. I am therefore extremely pleased with the outcome of this case."