A horse on the fields on Headingley Hill

A planning inspector has today rejected appeal APP/N4720/W/17/3172413 against refusal of planning permission to build 33 houses on the fields on Headingley Hill.

Here are some of the comments made by the inspector in her report published today:

• There is no dispute that the site has a historic significance derived from its continued pastoral use which has existed from at least the post-medieval period, and which today in this densely populated urban area is unique.
• Its current open pastoral use is clearly valued highly by the local community both visually, and from the sense of wellbeing it brings.
• The open and bucolic qualities of the appeal site form an important part of the street scene.
• The development of the site would have a materially detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the area, as it would substantially erode an area of open space which positively contributes to the significance of the Conservation Area.

Well done everyone who objected. This is very good news for Headingley.