Eco-friendly Town Plans Revealed to Public

A 72-page document showing plans to build an eco-friendly town in Leeds has been put into the public domain.

The document was made public at the end April 2008 and included the site chosen for the scheme.

The proposals revealed that the scheme included the build of 9,000 carbon neutral homes and the development of land surrounding Oulton Hall.

In addition to this, is the introduction of six new primary and secondary schools and a new dual carriageway to replace the A642 Leeds-Wakefield Road.

The site for the project has 800-acres and is situated in the south of Leeds.

The areas that may be affected if permission is granted for the scheme are Rothwell, Oulton and Woodlesford.

The following areas have already been ruled out of the scheme are Micklefield, between Eggborough and Kellington near Selby and Darrington near Pontefract.

Other plans include a proposal for a new three-acre cemetery, allotments and an urban farm.

The two private companies in charge of the proposed plans also want to triple the size of the village Carlton and double the size of Oulton.

Infuriated council leader Andrew Carter said, 'There has been no consultation whatever with Leeds. I don't think it has a cat in hell's chance of getting planning approval.'

Councillor Golton goes on further to say, 'These plans would irreversibly change the character of our communities, and the developers should not be complacent about the level of opposition they would face.

'Eco-town or not, it still amounts to tonnes of tarmac, concrete, bricks and mortar being laid on our green belt, and hundreds more cars on our roads. It would destroy the character of where we live, and the reaction of the residents will reflect this.'

A spokesperson for the Leeds City Region Partnership said that they support the principle for an eco-town, as we are facing both a housing shortage and climate change.

SOURCE:
Yorkshire Evening News