Councillors fear for regeneration project following government announcement

12.00.00am GMT Tue 8th Apr 2008

Liberal Democrat councillors are concerned that the government's continued commitment to build an eco-town within the Leeds City Region threatens the future of the recently announced East and South East Leeds (EASEL) project, designed to transform a key area of the city.

The EASEL project is based upon private sector investment of around £1.2bn over the next 15-20 years to provide high quality, affordable housing and community facilities. The first stage of the scheme is to build 743 new homes in the Gipton and South Seacroft areas. Eventually around 5,000 new houses will be built, providing ideal homes for families and key-workers.

But councillors are now concerned that with the government still not ruling out an eco-town, containing approximately 15,000 new homes in the Leeds City Region, the EASEL project may suffer as a consequence.

Whilst the recent announcement regarding continued investigation into an eco-town near Leeds is still not widely welcomed, the governments change in position is seen as positive. The plans for the eco-town are now going to be formed through consultation with Leeds City Council and neighbouring authorities. Previously it was feared that the government would award a contract to a private bidder, with Leeds City Council allowed no influence on the decision. Throughout the process Liberal Democrat councillors have called for more information from central government, but this has been met with little or no official response.

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) Deputy Leader of Council and Executive Member responsible for Finance said:

"As an authority we are committed to bringing more high quality, affordable, sustainable housing to Leeds. Whilst EASEL has been a complicated project, it meets all those aims and the plans were developed with the input of local residents and thorough consultation.

The Labour government continues to try and impose a massive eco-town upon us, only now giving way and allowing us any chance of input into the decision. It would seem as though they have little regard for the impact so many new houses could have on our already struggling roads, rail lines and infrastructure.

I welcome the news that approximately 15,000 homes are no longer going to be built near Micklefield, as the developer has pulled out. Whilst we now have the opportunity to work alongside central government plans, there are still many adverse environmental impacts such a development will have on the surrounding land, not to mention the increase in traffic on local roads that need to be considered.

As local councillors, and residents, we were kept in the dark throughout the entire process of planning for a possible eco-town. The government has now clearly realised that this was a completely irresponsible approach to what is an incredibly sensitive issue and been forced to u-turn. I think such activity shows complete contempt from the Labour government towards the local democratic process.

This administration has been committed to developing the future housing stock of Leeds and through a considered consultation and appraisal process will now put forward the best possible plans for the future of all Leeds residents."