Planned homes could be fewer due to figures

The development framework currently being pursued by Leeds City Council is based on a projected population growth that would need 70,000 properties by 2028.

As a result, the authority has been drawing up an allocation that would see more than 1,100 homes built in the Otley area alone.

But a new Office for National Statistics (ONS) projection estimates that the city will need significantly fewer homes, some 44,500.

And Leeds has responded by announcing it will be reviewing the “assumptions” behind its proposals.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I am glad they have decided to review the figures, something I and many other groups would support.

“Hopefully this will be a way of reducing the threat to local green fields posed by the council’s misguided Local Development Plan proposals.”

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Pudsey, Jamie Hanley, hailed the review as a “great victory” for the area.

He said: “Some of the sites proposed in the original allocations – particularly the larger ones in Horsforth and Guiseley – have worried residents.”

The Conservative group on the city council insisted the Labour-controlled authority was now on the “back foot”.

Conservative group leader Councillor Andrew Carter (Calverley & Farsley) said: “We have issued repeated warnings for well over two years that the 70,000 new homes target is far too high and needs to be revised downwards as a matter of urgency.

“This is clear evidence that the administration is planning to build far too many homes and put at risk areas of green belt and greenfield land which simply is not warranted.”

Announcing the review, deputy leader of the council and executive member for planning, Councillor Peter Gruen (Lab, Crossgates & Whinmoor) said: “The new population figures show it is sensible for us to review these assumptions. I hope this will allay concerns of local people as we digest the new evidence and consider our proposals.”