Campaigners fighting proposals to build houses on the former grounds of Leeds Girls High School in South Headingley have launched an appeal to preserve tennis courts on the site.
Local resident Sue Buckle told last night's inner north west area committee meeting that she had almost 200 signatures calling for a tennis club to be formed in Headingley.
Buckle said that there were a number of health benefits to people being encouraged to play tennis, particularly in a deprived area like Hyde Park and South Headingley. She said money was available from the Lawn Tennis Association to create 'beacon' sites. Buckle added:
"We should be looking at creating a tennis club in Headingley. There are six tennis courts in front of the former Leeds Girls High School site which could be used by local schools during the week and residents at the weekend.
"People's health needs to be more of a consideration in this area and I would urge councillors to support our bid and help make this idea a reality."
There are currently six tennis courts on the Leeds Girls' High School site.
Report receives criticism
Last month, councillors deferred the decision over whether to grant permission to controversial plans to build homes on the former Leeds Girls High School site, claiming they needed more information before reaching a resolution.
Landowners are proposing the site becomes home to 117 dwellings, with a mix of apartments and townhouses. Gardens will be made available for public use for a period of 10 years and money will be provided to improve footpaths and cycle-way links.
The application has received widespread opposition, including more than 1,300 letters of objection, the formation of Leeds Girls High School Action Group, five large public meetings, a 1,000-name petition to request the purchase of the fields for local schools, Leeds Civic Trust, The Victorian Society and local councillors.
Councillors at last night's inner north west area committee criticised the report brought before the plans panel by planning officers.
Labour Kirkstall councillor John Illingworth said he was appalled by the quality of the report and Headingley Liberal Democrat James Monaghan criticised it for it appearing to be rushed.
"It was one of the worst reports I have ever seen as a councillor," Monaghan added.
Labour Kirkstall councillor Bernard Atha said the report had been 'scandalous' and said he was surprised it hadn't been called in for scrutiny by the council.
Councillors last night agreed to support the calls for a tennis club in the Headingley area and reiterated their objections to the proposals for the Leeds Girls High School site.
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Headingley Liberal Democrat
