Horsforth has gained extra green space after a piece of land was formally added to the town.

The area of land between the Leeds to Harrogate railway line and Old Mill Beck has been designated as part of the neighbourhood area, following an application by Horsforth Town Council.

Its inclusion into the area boundary is intended to give it protection as green space and to ensure that it is not developed for the life of the neighbourhood plan.  Horsforth ward and town councillor Dawn Collins said: “The neighbourhood plan is an important document, it is essential that we get it right. Without it we are open to development anywhere there is a spare bit of land. By having the plan we can control the types of development we would like to see in different areas of the ward.

“I am happy we could add in this area of green space into the boundary as it means that we can protect it and keep it as a green space for the future. This will also enable us to protect the Greater Crested Newts in the area for future generations to see.”

The designation of the Neighbourhood Area was made in February and the revised boundary was approved by Leeds City Council Chief Planning Officer under delegated powers. The council says three representations – all in support of the revision – were made during the consultation period.

A report from the council’s head of forward planning and implementation described the revised boundary suggested by Horsforth Town Council as a coherent, consistent and appropriate one.

It adds: “The area is designated as Green Belt and Urban Green Corridor and contains a Local Nature Area (LNA 83) and areas of greenspace. Horsforth Town Council wishes to reinforce the protection already offered to this area in the Horsforth Neighbourhood Plan. The revised neighbourhood area is clearly identified by strong physical features and will allow Horsforth Town Council and the local community the best opportunity to deliver a neighbourhood plan that meets their needs.”