There was a good turnout at last night’s Beeston Community Forum meeting as Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn addressed members at Beeston Village Community Centre.
Here are some of the key points from the meeting:
- Hilary Benn MP
Mr Benn said he had concerns over plans for a park and ride at Elland Road. “I really wonder whether there’s demand for the scheme,” he added. Forum members said that the problems with traffic and pollution that local residents faced on Leeds United match days would be repeated ’24/7′, increasing existing health problems in the area. There was also a call for more consultation with residents. Mr Benn said the scheme was inappropriate as it was too near the city centre, and said there should always be consultation. Mr Benn encouraged the forum and individuals to write to the council to express their views and that he would be writing himself.
Mr Benn supported the new Holbeck Police HQ off Elland Road and paid tribute to the work of the neighbourhood policing teams.
The MP also answered questions on phone hacking, MPs expenses, big society, internships, the recent riots and Big Brother.
The Beeston Tesco planning application will be discussed by city councillors on the plans east panel next Thursday at the Civic Hall (meeting starts 1.30pm). It’s recommended for approval in principle, with final approval delegated to the chief planning officer. The forum, although not opposing the application, raised concerns including: that the final decision would rest with a planning officer and not elected members and that money provided by the developer (section 106 money) to improve the area should be used in the ward and not elsewhere (and not on a park and ride).
There’s an interesting blogpost on Leeds Citizen blog called: Tesco to get Beeston go-ahead, despite council research suggesting no need?
Eco-friendly development The Greenhouse is celebrating its first birthday on October 1 with an open day. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
