Leeds campaigners urge council not to build on playing fields

The founding members of Friends of Allerton Grange were united by the feeling that residents living in and around the Allerton Grange campus would be better able to address issues to create a cleaner, greener, safer environment. One objective is to protect and enhance the Allerton Grange playing fields, which are just off Lidgett Lane, on the boundary of Roundhay and Moortown wards. The reason we are passionate about the fields is because we believe this green open space will benefit the local community in a number of ways: High quality green spaces have been shown to: • Support the local economy • Enhance physical and mental health • Benefit children and young people • Reduce crime and the fear of crime • Help make stronger communities • Enhance biodiversity and the environment Outcomes for the deputation We are seeking the following outcomes: 1. To agree community use of the Allerton Grange Playing Fields in accordance with original planning permission 2. To get assurances that other options for primary school places are fully considered and that creating or extending a school on these fields would be a last resort 3. To seek support and guidance for progressing the environmental improvements to the fields 4. To seek support for the nomination of the fields to the national Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields Challenge The purpose of this deputation is not to seek financial support from Leeds Council, but the backing and guidance from the councillors, and officers to fulfil our aspirations for fields. Background The background to this is: In 2005, local councillors and residents were informed that the playing fields, (which were surplus to Allerton Grange School requirements) would to be transferred to Leeds Council and made available for community use. Education Leeds also accepted the need for a community use agreement as part of the planning condition attached to the planning decision for the BSF School. Councillor Paul Wadsworth (then Roundhay Ward Councillor) informed us of this position at a meeting in March 2010 and encouraged the Friends to consult the local community to develop ideas for how the fields could be improved. In June 2010, we circulated a residents' survey form in Moortown and Roundhay and held two public consultation events. Notes from an email from Darren Dobson, Education Leeds sent to Councillor Lobley in July which states: "The land falls outside of the new school PFI development is in the process of being declared surplus to Education Leeds requirements. The land is being maintained by Education Leeds until we transfer it over to the Council, [which will be] once we have finished our works." In August, Roundhay Ward Councillors received an email from Alex MacLeod, Interim Head of Estates, Education Leeds, which stated: "It was Education Leeds' intention to declare the two former school pitches surplus to educational requirements, however given the increasing demographic growth and demand for additional pupil places in the Roundhay ward, Education Leeds will not be declaring the land surplus at this time and will be exploring future educational use on this site. "Education Leeds will of course work with colleagues in Parks and Countryside to explore recreational usage for the site, until future Education need has been defined." The Friends are obviously disappointed at this decision, but are willing to embrace this new position and work with Leeds City Council. The need for playing fields in Roundhay Over the past 15 years we have lost five playing fields within just a half-mile radius of Allerton Grange fields. The following were lost to housing: • Shadwell Boys School and Playing Fields • Leeds Permanent Building Society Sports Ground • Leeds Rugby Union Sports Ground • Parkland Grounds of Former Roundhay Hospital The following were lost to the new Allerton Grange School: • Athletics Track, FA Pitch & Playing Field Given that research has proven the green open spaces are of immense value to local communities and the economy we urge you to protect some of the last playing fields in North East Leeds. Future aspirations Groundwork Leeds has produced a drawing, which was based on the feedback we had from the community consultation in June. This scheme drawing accurately reflects the aspirations of the local community. The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is a new programme to mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It is also a landmark project to create a permanent legacy for the 2012 Olympics. We ask Leeds Council to nominate Allerton Grange Playing Fields as part of their bid for QE2 Field status. Conclusion We understand the change in direction from Education Leeds with respect to the need for further primary school places in North East Leeds. However we urge all councillors to consider all options for where the new or extension of a school would be located. Should you proceed with the new school, let's keep the dialogue open and agree how the community can use the open space. We have identified sites within the existing Allerton Grange School and Moor Allerton Hall Primary School sites as well as mothballed sites such as the land at the back of Gledhow Primary School, former Braim Wood High School and Fir Tree Primary School site. Our elected councillors have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to safeguard the playing fields for present and future generations and to leave a lasting legacy for the 2012 Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Charlotte Britton is a member of the Friends of Allerton Grange . What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.