Concerns expressed over two planned Leeds housing developments

Two local councillors have expressed their concerns over the impact of the two proposed housing developments at Riverside Mills and the Clariant Works site in Calverley. Councillors Andrew Carter and Joe Marjoram believe that the proposal, if granted, will have a massive impact on the infrastructure in the area, putting roads and services under pressure which is unsustainable. Councillor Andrew Carter (Conservative, Calverley and Farsley ward) said: "I am very concerned about these proposals. My concerns have been reinforced following a public meeting which I called in Calverley. "It is obvious to me that unless there are significant improvements to the road infrastructure which will improve drastically the current situation then these proposals are unsustainable. On top of that we have issues relating to proper pedestrian safety at the Rodley and Horsforth roundabout and other issues around education provision." Councillor Joe Marjoram (Conservative, Calverley and Farsley ward) said "These proposals would impact on our already hard-pressed local schools. The nearest school to the proposal is Calverley Church of England, which is full, as is Calverley Parkside School. These are the two nearest schools to the proposals. "We may end up with a situation where people who live in the village of Calverley would be further away from Calverley's schools than the residents of the new estate, which is a wholly unacceptable situation. "It seems to me that any benefits that the development may bring are far outweighed by the detrimental effects on the environment, the road networks and education provision of people who already live in the area, as result I am opposed to these proposals and have sent in formal objections." Leeds council's planning department has received outline applications for a residential development for up to 400 dwellings at the former Clariant Works and a residential development of up to 150 dwellings at the Riverside Mills site. A public meeting was held to discuss the proposals with local residents on 29 November at Calverley Church of England School's hall. What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.