Objections kicked into touch as councillors approve redevelopment scheme in Leeds.
Leeds city council has approved a scheme to create a rugby union school of excellence in Bramhope, on the grounds currently used by West Park Leeds RUFC, despite a flurry of complaints from local residents. Objectors cited over-development of the green belt, traffic and nuisance problems and criticised the proposed design for the new clubhouse, with residents’ spokesman David Yates describing it as a “gross monstrosity”.
West Park chairman Malcolm Kilvington said that the scheme would provide young people in the area with top class sporting facilities, and to encourage participation in amateur sport. The plans include a new two-storey clubhouse, five pitches and 215 parking spaces.
He said: "We know on Sundays we do have a high membership and when the grass is wet and people park there's a problem, hence the need for a large overflow car park.
"As for the clubhouse, the actual footprint is not a great deal bigger than that of the existing one, the difference being it's (now) on two storeys."
Mr Yates accused the council of failing to exercise its duty of care to the public buy approving the scheme. He said: “The proposed development would result in astonishing increases in traffic flows and congestion.”
His views were countered by a Highways officer, who said a traffic assessment suggested congestion would not be a major issue.
The scheme will now go to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for approval.
