Headingley was Leeds' first suburban development 150 years ago. Lately, it has experienced enormous changes. Now, residents are responding with pioneering planning policies.
Headingley was the first suburb to develop in Leeds during the 19th century, "the prime residential area." It was therefore the destination for Leeds' first public bus service. And Service number one still runs up Headingley Lane. This makes Headingley historically Leeds' 'number one suburb'!
Headingley as a result is home to nearly 100 listed buildings and monuments - "the most important group of large and small villas and mansions in the city" according to the Pevsner Architectural Guide to Leeds (2005).
Headingley: 'an urban honey-pot'
But in addition to these, it also comprises imposing villas, handsome terraces and smart semis, as well as pocket parks and a 'green girdle', and broad avenues and picturesque ginnels.
But a majority of properties are now owned and occupied by people who don't reside here. Absentee landlords have bought up family homes, and let many of them as second homes to a temporary and seasonal population. Headingley has become an urban honey-pot.
In consequence, our environment suffers. Buildings suffer from inappropriate alterations and extensions, and ubiquitous security grilles. Spaces suffer from concreted gardens, and garden-grabbing. Access suffers from bin blight in the streets and car parking constipation.
Residents defend heritage
Residents therefore have acted to defend their heritage, and over the last couple of years, they have prepared a Neighbourhood Design Statement (NDS).
This describes the character of the area, what should be preserved, and how it should be observed by new development. This NDS was recommended for adoption by Leeds City Council on 13 August, with the full force of an official planning document.
Far Headingley pioneered Neighbourhood Design Statements in 2005. Now Headingley itself has produced the city's first NDS as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), part of the official Local Development Framework. Furthermore, it is the first SPD in the city to be produced by a local community, rather than by council officials.
The document will shortly be posted on Headingley Development Trust's website, and it is currently being printed, in preparation for its official launch at the Celebrate Headingley festival on 11 September.
For further information on the Headingley & Hyde Park Neighbourhood Design Statement, see the Headingley Development Trust website.
For more information on Village & Neighbourhood Design Statements in general, go to the Leeds council website.
Headingley is still Leeds' number one suburb!
Headingley Development Trust's Dr Richard Tyler is the project director for the Headingley & Hyde Park Neighbourhood Design Statement.
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.
