Executive agrees to review of Leeman Road area (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Executive agrees to review of Leeman Road area

May 6, 2008 3:50 PM

At its meeting today (May 6th) the Liberal Democrat Executive responded to claims about the possible future development of land behind Balfour Street (sometimes known as "back park") in the Leeman Road area.

Officers are being asked to undertake a review of leisure and other needs in this area to ensure that the Council's assets are being optimised and used for the benefit of the local community .

The Executive has decided to look at the Leeman Road area as a whole to get a broader picture of its recreational needs in the light of possible developments over the next few years

The community lies adjacent to the York Central site, one of the accesses for which may be taken from Water Lane. In 12 months time the likely effects of the York Central development will be better understood as developers will have been appointed and consultation on a planning application concluded.

The Councils approved capital programme shows the Balfour Street frontage (not "back park") as a possible sale site for housing after 2009.

The Area Asset Plan, approved by today's Executive, will review the future of all Council owned buildings and land in the area.

Council Leader Steve Galloway said,

" Leeman Road residents have generally been delighted with the new primary school established in the area 2 years ago by the Liberal Democrat Council. They are also proud of the large Millennium Green conservation area which the residents themselves helped to design and build.

The Liberal Democrats have surveyed opinion in the Leeman Road area and found a low key response on the issue of the Balfour Street frontage site.

However, there is clearly a body of opinion which would wish to see a hard surfaced "kick about" area retained and improved, while some residents are concerned about security and parking issues.

It is important that we review the provision of open spaces throughout the Leeman Road area and whether they are sufficient, and of an adequate quality, to meet recreational needs for the next few decades and beyond."