South Leeds Life 16 Mar16

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Issue 16 | March 2016

What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton

“I’m embarrassed to tell people where I live” Holbeck residents debate managed sex work area with Leeds City Council and Police

In this issue:

500 turn out to remember Skye

page 3

Trees planted on Cardinal estate

page 4

by Jeremy Morton Over 100 people packed into St Matthew’s Community Centre on Saturday 27 February to put their views to Council bosses and Police officers. The meeting to discuss the ‘managed sex work area’ was organised by local councillors and chaired by Cllr Angela Gabriel. Most of the residents were opposed to the managed area and felt it wasn’t working. The area is supposed move the problem away from residential areas to industrial areas and operates between 7pm and 7am.Within the area sex work is tolerated. But residents complained that women were continuing to work on their streets and at all hours. Complaints included about being repeatedly woken up at night, children being propositioned in the street, gardens being broken into and being harassed by punters. Superintendent Sam Miller, head of the Safer Leeds partnership said that Holbeck had suffered the problem of street prostitution for ten years. “Enforcement, in isolation, has not worked. It has just created a cycle of offending.” Women who are arrested, are fined by the Courts and go back on the street to pay the fine. She said the Police were talking to the Courts about using other sanctions that addressed the women’s drug addiction and mental health problems. She is also pressing for more CCTV in the area and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) equipment to identify men entering the area for sex.

Housing, plans & development

page 6-7

A residents makes his point to Councillors and Police. Photo: Jeremy Morton

One resident complained “They drive up and down my street and you can’t get their number because their number plate light is out. We know why they’re here, they’re not tourists!” Neil Evans, LCC Director of Housing and Environment, said that the approach was driven by residents’ complaints over many years. “This is a genuine attempt to minimise the impact of prostitution on your lives” he said. He went on to say that ten years ago their were 200 street prostitutes across the city, now it’s down to a hard core of 40. “These women have problems, chaotic lifestyles and aren’t making rational economic choices.” Residents asked why the law wasn’t

being enforced. Supt Miller said “We have not decriminalised anything, but we need to be flexible and use tactics that make a difference.” Inspector Jon Arrowsuch from the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team said he had been given resources to increase the Police presence in the area since 15 February. A minimum of three police officers would be permanently in the area everyday between 11am-9pm. He recognised the problems of reporting via the 101 number and said a dedicated line was being set up for Holbeck residents to report problems. (The number had not been released at the time of going to press.) Not all residents were opposed to

the scheme. One man said “It’s better than ten years ago, without this policy it will go backwards.” Another said “I don’t mind the managed area, but it must be managed.” Others were still angry commenting: “You don’t live here and you don’t care”; “people are here today because we’re fuming. This problem has got to stop.” and “We want actions not words.” Cllr Gabriel said there would be a further public meeting in three month’s time to review the situation. In the meantime the Council and the Police would review the details of the scheme including hours and whether parts of the area were too close to residential properties.

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Parenting the Dads group way

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NEWS

FEEDBACK

OBITUARIES

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p9

WHAT’S!ON

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SPORT!

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ARTS

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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live and work in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The blog and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House. Our aims are: To inform people of events, activities, issues and opportunities taking place in the South Leeds community; To encourage the involvement of the wider community in communicating their experiences; To foster community spirit and involvement; and To provide a platform for local people to contribute and respond to community life more fully. South Leeds Life started as a blog in November 2010 and still posts news every day at: www.southleedslife.com

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Why Iâ€™II vote to stay in the EU by Hilary Benn MP In just under four months' time we will take the most important decision about the future of our country for at least 40 years when we cast our vote in the EU referendum. General elections settle who will run the country for the next five years; this decision will affect the future our country for the rest of our lifetime. It's a choice, therefore, that really matters. Each of us will have one vote, and I will be using mine in favour of the UK remaining in the European Union. Why? Because being part of the EU makes us more prosperous and more secure. It has brought peace to our continent after centuries of conflict. You only have to visit the

graveyards of the First and Second World Wars to see the last resting place of two generations of young Europeans who perished fighting each other, among them by great Uncle Oliver who died at Gallipoli and my uncle Michael - an RAF pilot - who was killed just after D-Day. It has given us jobs, investment and economic growth. We are part of the world's largest single market - just under half our exports go to Europe - and as a result a great deal of investment has come into the UK, our region and Leeds. And because the EU has negotiated free trade deals with around 50 other countries around the world, that gives local businesses a better chance of selling their goods there too. This is what we have now, but the Leave campaign cannot tell us what trade relationships would replace them if we left. I think that's

a big risk. The EU has also done a lot for British workers. We now have a right to paid holiday, limits on our working time, improved maternity and paternity leave and better protection for agency and temporary workers - all thanks to our membership. But if we leave, I worry what our Tory Government would do to these rights. Europe has given us practical benefits like a limit on expensive roaming charges when we use our phones in other EU countries. We have cleaner beaches now. Being in allows us to work and travel across the continent and get free or subsidised medical care. When we buy from online retailers like Amazon and the goods arrive from another European country our consumer rights are protected by European laws. And the European arrest warrant means that

criminals can no longer escape justice by fleeing abroad - a really practical example of how working with our neighbours makes us safer. Finally, there is the benefit of being part of the EU for our place in the world. The truth is that Britain's voice is stronger because we are in Europe, and we need to work with our neighbours to deal with the challenges facing our world whether that's the tragedy in Syria, flows of refugees or tackling dangerous climate change. Now, of course, the EU isn't perfect. It needs to change and it's only fair that people coming here from the EU will need in future to pay in first before they can receive in-work benefits. I know there's a lot of discussion about free movement, but it does work both ways. Lots of British people work elsewhere in the EU and European citizens coming here

Hilary Benn MP

contribute a lot in taxes as well as working as nurses, lecturers, care workers or in manufacturing industry. In the end, we have to weigh all this up and decide. I am clear that remaining in is best for jobs and security for the people of Leeds, but it's your vote. Please use it.

What do you think? Join the debate at www.southleedslife.com or write to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW

Tools Down at Temple Works by Ed Carlisle

The pioneering and muchloved Temple Works cultural project, templeworksleeds.com, in Holbeck is this month shutting up shop at the iconic old flax mill where they've been based for the past 6 years. As previously reported in South Leeds Life, major manufacturers Burberry are now looking to move onto the site. The Temple Works building itself is a unique, Grade 1 listed Victorian flax mill, an internationally recognised architectural masterpiece, 14 acres in total and centred around a 2 acre main hall that was for many decades the largest single room in the world. But it fell into disuse during the last century, until the current owners international property tycoons, the Barclay brothers invited regeneration company Cornerstone Strategies to come in to develop the site into a major cultural venue on the scale of London's Tate Modern. So the Temple Works project was conceived, in 2008 - and launched to the public the following year. The project has flourished in many ways since then - but not at all according to plan. The recession from 2008 put significant limits on its scope, and a structural failure at the same time left the huge main hall largely unusable. And the

Temple Works Open Day 2014. Photo: Simon Cliff

infrastructure has always been incredibly slim: there's limited power, no heating, and just one public toilet! But not held back by these considerable hurdles, the project has taken off in other ways. Dozens of artists, musicians and craftspeople (50+ at any one time) have made their home on site, bringing life back to the building. An ongoing educational and heritage programme unfolded, featuring dozens of open days and more. The site became a sought-after location to hire, with film and TV companies in there most weeks. And the site became an acclaimed events space, with gigs, festivals, light shows, exhibitions, and more throughout the year. In total, over 100,000 people have visited since 2009.

Project director Susan Williamson told us: "We've not been forced to leave: the situation with Burberry isn't yet confirmed. But we decided this was the best time for us to beat a retreat, Dunkirk-style! It is of course devastating. It's been an amazing project, in an amazing space. Many of the artists have said that their work's been hugely influenced being in such an extraordinary site. And together, we've developed a really collaborative ethos, generating new business, new concepts, new projects. Everyone here works very hard to make a living, so it's a huge disappointment having to move on." "But people are pulling together, networking, finding new spaces

together. Leeds City Council are supporting us to move out, and to find short-term solutions. So, whilst nothing will match the unique Temple Works site, the project itself isn't dead: it's evolving, and the work and the relationships will continue. Who knows what next?" Plans are forming for a major celebration event of all things Temple Works, in May or June. This will be an all-age, multi-media event somewhere in central Leeds.Watch this space. And in the meantime, to grab yourself a piece of the Temple Works story, the project are currently looking to sell much of their furniture: contact them via the website templeworksleeds.com to find out more.

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Five hundred show their love for brave little Skye by Ken Ingram I made my up to Middleton Park on a sunny but cold morning to take part in the Skye Valentine’s Day fun run on Sunday 14 February, to raise money for Candlelighters and Delete Blood Cancer UK, Skye’s charities. Skye Sutcliffe, from Middleton, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic and myeloid leukaemia two types of the awful disease. Unfortunately Skye passed away late last year, so could not be here today, Skye would have loved it. There were a few things to happen before the race, the unveiling of the Skye Memorial Bench by Cllr Kim Groves, helped by the children to untie the Red Valentines Day ribbon. Cllr Kim Groves said: “I was privileged to join

March 2016 | South Leeds Life

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Supporters gather to debate the news Cllr Kim Groves and helpers unveil Skye’s Memorial Bench. Photo: Ken Ingram

Skye’s family, to unveil a memorial bench in Middleton Park, for Skye. “So many people were involved in organising today’s event it was great and so heart-warming to see many many people sharing and supporting the family on Valentine’s Day. “There was a huge turn out to run for Candlelighters and Delete Blood Cancer UK in memory of Skye, balloons were released to remember a very brave and special little girl.” We later learnt that one of these balloons came down in a park in Derbyshire, as a message was returned. Various mascots were in attendance to The balloon release. Photo: Ken Ingram keep the children

amused, including Peppa Pig, a giant Panda who sent me the wrong way on second lap of the run (!) and Alice, from Alice in Wonderland. We had to complete two circuits of the route, although some parents with children did just the one, well done to them. I was told the circuit for the run had just one small hill (yeah right!). The run took us past the Rose Garden, deep into the park and up along near Town Street’s old Park workers’ cottages. It was a nice sunny walk, and yes a bit of running, around the course for me, although a bit chilly in the shade of the trees. Rudi Barker, one of the organisers said: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone that came today, and to all those that donated prizes or bought raffle tickets; it was a truly fabulous and successful day! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. “A huge thank you to each

and everyone one of you that came to the run, donated, help spread the word about the event and helped out! “A massive well done to my Aunty Amelia and Ben from Run Leeds for organising and holding such an amazing day! It was without a doubt a huge success! They should be very proud. “We will be back again next year! Here’s to many more fundraising events!” Amelia ___ added: “We would just like to say how deeply touched and comforted we are by all of the support and donations received for this year’s Running For Skye and Skye’s Memorial Bench. “So far for the Fun Run alone, we have £3,510.78 and if we get all the money promised, in total, we will have raised £4,310.78 which is a truly fantastic amount. “In addition to this we have received £1,590 towards Skye’s Memorial Bench. “All for our Pie–Pie,What an amazing little girl!”

Beeston lad lands national award

A young community leader from Beeston has been recognised with a national award for his achievements. Shamim Miah, 19, received the Young Achiever of the Year award at the prestigious British Muslim Awards held in Birmingham – in recognition especially for his work over the past two years as a member of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP). Shamim was one of ten young people nominated for the prestigious award. Born and bred in Beeston, Shamim attended Cockburn High School, and now attends Leeds University. He has been an active local community member over many years, and has since 2014

Shamim Miah (left) recieves his award

represented the city as one of its four UKYP members. During his time with the UKYP, he became elected as the lead speaker for Yorkshire and Humber to put the motion forward for a campaign to Tackle Racism and Religious Discrimination – which was then adopted by UKYP as a UK-wide campaign. Speaking about the award Shamim said, “It’s an honour to represent the British Muslim community, as well as young people everywhere, by winning this award. I have the youth of Leeds to thank – many thanks to everyone who has insipired me along the way to receiving this. I cannot wait to represent Leeds and Beeston further in the political sphere!”

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South Leeds Life | March 2016

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Harry Potter Day Arson attack at Middleton Railway at Park View by Leyah Jamil & Tahmeena Hanif

We recently turned Park View Primary into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to celebrate Harry Potter Day!

wand–making, which was extremely magical. In Gryffindor, there was Muggle Quidditch. Finally, in Slytherin there was potions class, which included making lava lamps. In the morning, before the activities had magical started, there was care of

A diesel rail bus has been badly damaged by fire after Middleton Railway’s Moor Road premises were broken into on the night of Tuesday 8 February. The vehicle, built in 1950, as an Overhead Line Inspection Vehicle, earning it the nickname Olive. It was used on the Sheffield-Manchester Woodhead line. Middleton railway took possession of it in 1997 and restored it for passenger use, although as a small vehicle it was only used on quieter days. The

Trust won a Heritage Railway Association award for their restoration work. A statement from Middleton Railway Trust said: “Police are investigating the crime and the vehicle is being examined to assess the damage received. Until the assessment has taken place no decision will be taken on the vehicle’s future.” If you have any information about this incident please contact the Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Firefighters damp down OLIV after the fire

Cockburn band are kicking up a storm Sounds like a Storm are a Leeds based rock band which formed in 2015 at Cockburn School. The band consists of: Sennen Ludman on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Cormac Connolly on lead guitar, Connor Passey, on bass guitar (all in Year 11) and Year 7 student Ashley Miga, on drums. The three Year 11

Children dressed as their favourite characters

On Thursday 4 February the pupils of Park View Primary Academy transformed their school into Hogwarts School and they all contributed by dressing up as the legendary characters of the Harry Potter books. In addition to this, all the students were sorted into the houses, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. In each of the houses, there were specific activities, which all the schoolchildren took part in, and also enjoyed. In Ravenclaw, there was Herbology, which was making Mandrakes out of fondant, Oreos, bourbon biscuits, cocoa powder and mint leaves. In Hufflepuff, there was

the magical creatures class run by Hagrid, this was a particular favourite of the younger apprentices. All houses earned house points from the house leaders and the house with the most points won the house cup in the reward assembly. Also, each child carried a reward chart with them collecting stickers for the grand prize,which was won by a child in Hufflepuff. At the end of the day, the house with the most points was Gryffindor followed by Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. In conclusion everyone enjoyed this spectacular day, which ended in a positive way. Hopefully, across the country everyone will enjoy this bewitching set of books as we do!

Staff in Harry Potter fancy dress

students took Ashley under their wings at the start of the year, mentoring him and creating great music. The band have been performing original songs, and are still yet to play a cover live. The band is influenced by acts such as: Glass Caves, Arctic Monkeys, Milburn, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Pretty Vicious, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Hard-Fi and

The Sherlocks. The band will be performing at the prestigious Amp Awards at Leeds O2 Academy on Wednesday 30 March, and if they win the competition they will be playing Leeds Festival. The band need votes on the night so the more people from South Leeds that go along to the O2 Academy on the night to support them the better.

Hamara to take over Old Cockburn hall Sounds Like A Storm

Take the hand of friendship Old Cockburn Sports Hall in Beeston

Leeds City Council has been looking at options for the future of Old Cockburn Sports Hall in Beeston. February’s Executive Board agreed to transfer the building to the Hamara Healthy Living Centre on a 25 year peppercorn lease. Old Cockburn Sports Hall was built in 1978 and is located on Primrose Lane, off Dewsbury Road close to the Leeds City College Joseph Priestley campus. It is currently used by Youth Services, a majorettes group and the Leeds United Foundation. The Council has struggled with bookings over recent years and the centre has been losing money. It is hoped that Hamara will be able to more actively manage the centre

and bring in more users. Currently the centre is used for 18 hours a week, Hamara plan to increase that to 59 hours per week. Hamara plans to offer services to the elderly and people with learning disabilities through the day and expand the range of sports on offer at evenings and weekends. Existing users will be able to continue, but five-a-side football, cricket and karate will be introduced as well as a small gym. Hamara will invest £30,000 in improvements and equipment and will receive a revenue support grant of £55,000 over the first three years paid for out of the savings to the council. The centre currently costs the Council £25,000 per year.

A new free and confidential chat line has been launched for lonely people over the age of 50. The phone line is open from 8-10pm every Monday to Friday. It is not an emergency line, but the trained staff will provide a friendly listening ear for a chat; offer friendship; and have information to share about social groups in your area. The Hand of Friendship is run by a

partnership of the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust, Catholic Care and Leeds Irish Health & Homes and is funded through the National Lottery.

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Sing out in Holbeck HEA (Holbeck Elderly Aid) are starting a singing group at St Matthews Community Centre every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30 from 1st March, to provide an avenue for older adults to sing for the joy, health and camaraderie of song regardless of experience and expertise. The group will be aimed at adults, age 50 and up. No prior singing experience is required, and you do not need to read music. The emphasis is on singing for the fun of it. The only requirement for joining us is a desire to sing. So why should you join?

Because it will be fun! You’ll also find friends, companionship, and it will also be good for you! Singing has a positive effect on the physical and mental health of the people who sing and among the benefits are: increased lung capacity, better posture, less depression, and regular mental exercise and an excellent way to communicate. We are seeking volunteers to help with the group too – a pianist, and some-one who might like to lead the group and may have some group/choir singing experience. Please telephone Matthew on 0113 2455 553.

Cockburn in top 100 Cockburn School has received a letter from Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, congratulating the students and staff for the school’s “excellent improvement in GCSE and equivalent results between 2013 and 2015”. The letter states that Cockburn is “one of the top 100 non-selective state-funded schools in England showing the greatest sustained improvement in the percentage of pupils achieving five or more A*-C

grades, including English mathematics GCSE’s”.

and

Shine meet HRH

Trees take root in the Cardinals by Jeremy Morton A row of Himalayan Birches was planted on Cardinal Square on Wednesday 3 February, marking the start of an initiative to green the estate. White Rose Residents Association won a competition against ten other bids from around West Yorkshire to secure a £10,000 grant for the trees. The funding called TD Green Streets is a partnership between TD Direct Investing and the Community Forest Trust. The funding was used to buy and plant 15 mature trees, which were picked for their year round colour. After extensive consultation with local residents trees with an upright habit were chosen to minimise shade and leaf litter. Yvonne Crowther, from the White Rose Residents Association said: “It’s a great achievement to see the trees planted today. It will make a real difference to the environment and how people feel. It will brighten people’s lives and bring colour to the estate.

News in brief

In December staff from the Shine Nail Bar social enterprise in Beeston went down to London for the Business In The Community AGM where they met HRH Prince Charles. Kaytlin, a 17 year old nail tech trainee from Beeston, even got the Prince laughing all about eyebrow waxing,

Skyline HIV service reprived

L-R: Kevin Wigley (Community Forest Trust), Joe Coles (LCC), Parks staff, Yvonne Crowther, John Casey (LCC) Susan Brearley, Cllr Adam Ogilvie. Photo: Jeremy Morton

“This is just the start, we are keen to create a Garden of Life wrapping around the estate. It might take a few years to complete but we are already applying for the next part of the project.” Cllr Adam Ogilvie commented: “This is a testament to Yvonne and the

residents who have pushed for improvements, showing how much they care about their area. They’ve worked closely with the Council Parks department and together created a real legacy for the Cardinals.” The trees have been planted using a modern root anchoring

system instead of poles and ties. The anchors help the tree grow more naturally and create a stronger trunk. As a result of the grant, Leeds City Council have been able to attract further funding to plant an extra 15 trees. Kevin Wigley from Community Forest Trust said:

“The bid from the Cardinals was very strong, showed a lot of community support and is clearly a neighbourhood that needs more trees. “A further round of funding will be available later this year and I would encourage any group apply.”

Beeston community rallies around local lady

Scores of Beeston residents and businesses are rallying to the aid of an ‘active and loving’ local community stalwart, Val Duggan – who recently was suddenly and unexpectedly struck down with terminal cancer and paralysis. And they are now calling on the wider community to help them push on towards their £10,000 target, and join a major family fun day on Saturday 5 March 2016. Val is a retired spinal injuries nurse, with a lifetime of volunteering behind her – including involvement with community drama groups, supporting those with disabilities, and helping as a gardener and mentor in her local school, St Anthony’s Primary. But last autumn, she travelled out to New

Zealand to support members of her in the home of Val’s daughter Lisa, family living there – and there fell into where Val is now living. January saw 70 a sudden paralysis from the chest people join a ‘Onesie Walk’ through down. This has Middleton Park, now been and £2,700 has diagnosed as already been terminal breast raised (with cancer, which has another £2,000+ in turn caused in the pipeline). tumours on her And next up is spine. an all-day family The past three fun day on months has seen Saturday 5 March the emergence of at the Tommy a remarkable Val Duggan with her family Wass pub in volunteer-led fundraising campaign, Beeston. The event will feature family featuring many members of the Save activities through the daytime, including: Our Beeston network. The campaign is cakes, games, hot dogs and burgers, a aiming to raise at least £10,000 – to pay raffle and tombola, music, and much for a range of crucial disability adaptions more. A huge range of raffle prize have

already been donated via local businesses; but it’s not too late if others still want to contribute. This will be followed by a evening event (for over 18s only) – for which tickets are limited and selling out fast. To book your evening tickets (note: the daytime event is free and unticketed), email tickets@saveourbeeston.com or ask directly at the Tommy Wass. Full event info on the Save Our Beeston FB group. Val’s daughter Lisa comments: “It’s been a quite a shock – she loved her ballet and performing, and was very active. But I’m really overwhelmed with the response – and hopefully, together we can make her life more comfortable.” And Sean Sturman of Save Our Beeston adds: “Let’s just give Val back what she has so freely given”.

Leeds Skyline Service – the service which provides support to those living with HIV, their friends, family and carers, as well as providing educational services throughout Leeds – has announced that it has been saved from closure for a year. Cllr Lisa Mulherin, the Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, and the Director of Public Health had written to tell them saying “the council intend to offer an extension to your contract/s with a 5% cut in the value for a further year until 31 March 2017”

Garden waste collections

Collections of brown garden bins across South Leeds have re-started. Collection days remain the same and can be checked on the council’s website.You can also download a handy calendar to remind you of your collection schedule. Using brown bins is an effective way of keeping garden waste out of landfill; helping to save money and cut carbon emissions.

South Leeds Life | March 2016

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6 Housing, planning and development

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Holbeck celebrates new council homes Pocket Parks for Cardinal estate & Hunslet Carr by Jeremy Morton

Dodging blustery showers, residents, school children, Councillors, staff from builders Keepmoat and Housing Leeds came together on Friday 29 January to celebrate the completion of new council housing in Holbeck. Before the new community garden was opened, people gathered in The Holbeck club out of the rain. First we heard children from Ingram Road Primary School sing a reworking of a High School Musical song – The Start of a New Holbeck. You can listen to a recording on our website. Simon Costigan from Housing Leeds reminded the audience of Holbeck’s past achievements, as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Later Holbeck was home to important social reformers such as educationalist Rev John Kendall and Rev Charles Jenkinson who championed council housing in the 1930s. Councillor Angela Gabriel reminded those present that the project had been ten years in the making with three separate bids going to government to secure the PFI funding. She also spoke about

(L_R) Cllr Angela Gabriel, Cllr Adam Ogilvie, John Hinchliffe (sc4L), Cllr David Congreve, Sean Corcoran (Keepmoat), Cllr Debra Coupar, Simon Costigan (Housing Leeds)

the many community groups in the area including Holbeck in Bloom who have just published a walking guide to the area. The rain cleared and the sun came out in time for the official opening of the community garden which has been created outside The Holbeck club. At its centre is a monument

containing facsimiles of plaques recovered from the demolished Holbeck Towers. The plaques honoured two important figures in securing local council housing – Rev Charles Jenkinson who was both Vicar of Holbeck and Chair of the Housing Committee; and Hugh Gaitskell was MP for the Leeds South constituency and leader of

the Labour Party until his death in 1963. Finally it was revealed that the new housing would be named Gaitskell Towers. Work continues in Beeston Hill and the housing regeneration project will eventually see 275 new council homes built and 373 homes refurbished.

Two communities in South Leeds will benefit from a share of a £1.5m government fund to create more urban ‘pocket parks’. The Sandon Mount Pocket Park will be a brand new park for the Woodhouse Hill community in Hunslet Carr. This piece of land has been saved by the local residents from development and they now intend to turn it into a pocket park for use by the local community. The space will be used by the local school for growing food and flowers, as an outdoor classroom and as a safe place for children to play. Kenny Saunders from Hunslet Carr Residents Association said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this funding, it will enable us to continue our project with the community and the school.” Yvonne Crowther from the White Rose Community

Association on the Cardinal estate in Beeston said: “We are absolutely thrilled and excited at being awarded the funding for the ‘pocket park’. “It has been something I have been talking about wanting to set up for a good number of years and it’s actually going to start soon. It will enable the community, all ages & ethnicities, to come together and sow, grow, pick, cook, eat and share together. The young can learn from their elders and vice versa and share a project together. “We will also be having a healing / growing area to grow those products which help heal naturally. The area will also be there for residents who want to come along to relax. It will be wheelchair friendly to enable those in wheelchairs to be able to become involved too. It is a very therapeutic hobby. “The site is at the back of Redhall Crescent. We are all looking forward to it immensely.”

Fed to build Belle Isle homes Council Plans Panel debates Leeds Federated Housing have been granted permission to build 27 new affordable homes on land next to Winrose Drive and Newhall Gate in Belle Isle. The planning application was considered by the South & West Plans Panel on Thursday 18 February because the housing association is not able to provide the full amount of public open space that housebuilders are required to provide for a scheme of this size. Cllr Caroline Gruen (Bramley & Stanningley), Chair of the panel, summed up the feeling of the meeting saying that the amount of local green space (the site lies opporsite Middleton Park) and the houses’ garden spaces more than compensated for the lack of amenity space within the development. Cllr Robert Finnegan (Morley North) questioned some of the New affordable homes

Ice Pak application

design features saying Belle Isle was a working class area where people just wanted good quality affordable homes and didn’t need ‘contemporary design features’. Cllr Elizabeth Nash (City & Hunslet) was keen that the colour of the brickwork would

match existing nearby properties. The estate will comprise 14 two bedroom houses and 13 three bedroom houses. Most will be semi detached, but nine will arranged in short terraces with ginnel access to the rear garden for bins and bikes.

The South & West Plans Committee approved a report from planning officers on the controversial Ice Pak development on Barkly Road in Beeston at the their meeting on Thursday 18 February. The application to create a community building including sports hall and prayer room was submitted by Aspiring Communities in October 2014 and was due to be heard by the panel in August 2015, but was withdrawn from the agenda by planning officers. Subsequently Aspiring Communities appealed to the Planning Inspectorate for ‘nondetermination’ – that is that the Council had failed to make a decision on the application. The report to the panel states that questions about the use of the sports/community hall, the construction of underground parking and the conversion of an existing building remain unanswered by Aspiring Communities. This means they are unable to assess the impact of traffic on local roads, or the impact of construction work on local residents. A letter from Aspiring Communities’ agent (included with the report) counters that these

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March 2016 | South Leeds Life

Housing, planning and development 7

Fresh developments Summit to fight housing changes in the ‘Urban Village’ by Niki Woods A project to transform the Tower Works site into new homes, offices, shops and restaurants has been approved by Leeds City Council’s city plans panel. The site, which was originally a factory from the 1860s to 1978 will now be developed by Carillion, who had previously been selected by the Homes and Communities Agency as the preferred development partner for the site. Work will begin in June this year and will preserve the three ornate Italian towers and the Engine House on Globe Road, which are all listed buildings. Ten new buildings will be constructed, including 160 residential units including townhouses, and more than 11,800 square metres of new office space as well as retail space for shops, restaurants, cafes, and licensed premises. The development will also involve improvements to the nearby canal towpath to encourage pedestrians, and will further link the city centre to the Holbeck Urban Village. Councillor James McKenna, chair of the city plans panel, said: “We are pleased to see plans to regenerate this historic part of Leeds moving forward. The redevelopment of the Tower Works site will create a dynamic new hub for businesses, residents, visitors and shoppers which will be a cornerstone in the regeneration of the whole area. Above all it is important to us to see this site protected and preserved as well as securing its future and maximising its enormous potential.” Gareth Jackson, Development

New council homes in Holbeck

by Ellen Robottom

Artist’s impression of the Tower Works development Image: Forbes Massey

Director for Carillion said: “The team worked closely with the council to ensure that the design response not only builds on the heritage and character of the area, but meets the needs of the people who will live and work at Tower Works. Half the development site is given over to pedestrian and public space, so it will play a vital role in the connection of Holbeck Urban Village to the centre of Leeds and future transport hubs.” Granary Wharf Plans have been revealed for the final phase of CTP’s development at Granary Wharf in the Holbeck Urban

Village area of South Bank. The site, which is currently used as a surface level long stay car park, is located next to the Leeds Liverpool Canal on Wharf Approach off Water Lane adjacent to the Tower Works site. The planned mixed use development will include shops, bars and restaurants at ground level as well as 250 apartments and 7,200 sq ft of office space. The one and two bedroom apartments will be for private rent. A planning application will be submitted to Leeds City Council following public consultation. If planning permission is granted, construction work could start in Autumn 2016.

The new Granary Wharf development next to the listed canal office

The Plans Panel meeting at Leeds Civic Hall

issues were raised at the last moment when the council had the plans for nearly a year. It goes on to say that answers about usage had been provided but it appears planning officers chose not to accept those assurances. Chief Planning Officer Martin Sellors summed up the report saying that the authority had not had sufficient answers from Aspiring Communities to questions about the use of the facilities. They were therefore concerned that it might be primarily used by people outside the area, potentially bringing a large amount of traffic into a residential area. In debate Cllr McKenna (Garforth & Swillington) said he was aware that

there was a lot of objections locally and he felt there was too much uncertainty Cllr Akhtar (Hyde Park & Woodhouse) raised the issue that the site had previously been a factory and that most local residents will have moved in next a factory. Cllr Heselwood (Bramley & Stanningley) said that the issue of parking was of great concern as the surrounding streets cannot cope with overspill parking. She also wondered how the estimated 660 lorry loads of earth could be removed through these streets. The Panel voted overwhelmingly to approve the officers’ recommendation. There were two abstentions.

The Leeds-based housing campaign group Hands Off Our Homes is inviting all residents of Leeds and surrounding areas to a Regional Housing Summit on Saturday 12 March 2016. Many of you will know Hands Off Our Homes for its campaigning against the bedroom tax, and for supporting tenants who were at risk of eviction because the charge meant that they couldn’t pay their rent. Now, we are facing even bigger threats to tenants and to the future of social housing itself. The Housing and Planning Bill currently going through the Lords will force councils to sell off a lot of their housing stock – at a time when 25,000 households are on the council waiting-list in Leeds alone. The Bill will also impose huge rentrises on households with a total combined income of £30,000 or more (including tax credits). New tenancies will be reviewed after 2 to 5 years, causing insecurity for families and instability for neighbourhoods. People with support needs face even bleaker prospects.The government plans to limit Housing Benefit to the maximum Local Housing Allowance for a given household size in the private sector. This will affect all supported and sheltered tenancies which rely on higher amounts of Housing Benefit to fund specialist services.This includes supported and sheltered housing for older people, residentially-based services for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues or sensory or physical impairments, refuges for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and hostels for the rising numbers of people made

homeless by the lack of affordable housing. We have, of course, not forgotten the bedroom tax, whose cruel impacts are now to be compounded by the lowering of the overall household benefit cap to £20,000pa, leaving thousands of families unable to pay their rent.Tenants trapped in the often squalid and insecure private sector will be at greatest risk, as their rents are higher and short-term contracts make them easier to evict. The Summit will be from 11.30am to 4.30pm, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Lower Briggate. It’s free to all, and tea and coffee will be provided. The venue is wheelchair accessible. We are calling this Summit to launch a broad-base, unified campaign for the future of social housing, bringing together tenants, campaigners, housing workers, service-providers, trade unions, planners and everyone else who cares about the right to a decent, secure and genuinely affordable place to live. Everyone has something to contribute to the campaign for decent, truly affordable homes. Please join us on 12 March to learn more, add your voice and get involved. Please register at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reg ional-housing-summit-tickets5324212864 For more details email handsoffourhomes@gmail.com or phone 07930 966205.

Keep up to date with new planning applications in LS10 and LS11. South Leeds Life publishes a weekly list of all new planning applications online at: www.southleedslife.com