Residents of Hunslet and Belle Isle are organising a campaign against a proposed new Park and Ride scheme in Stourton, following a well-attended public meeting on 20 February 2018.
The proposed scheme would see a carpark for 1100 cars built on fields just off junction 7 of the M621, behind Hunslet Cemetery - then buses making 70+ journeys each day into the city centre along Low Road, which would be extensively altered.
Champions of the scheme argue that it will reduce congestion, and help reduce air pollution. But local resistance, that emerged last year during the official consultation period, has continued to brew.
Critics argue that they’re not against Park and Rides, but that this scheme is flawed on several levels. They insist:
- it will consume local green space, and could easily be further extended in the future;
- that its location next to the cemetery is disrespectful;
- that it will generate considerable noise and light pollution, and actually more not less congestion locally;
- that the site is essentially a bog that’s been repeatedly dismissed for development in the past;
- that there are already Park and Ride schemes just minutes away at Elland Road and Temple Green;
and that south Leeds is once again having a development imposed upon it that might somewhat serve the city, but not the local area.
Last month’s meeting saw 35 residents gather at the Parnaby Tavern in Hunslet Carr, share concerns and information, and discuss their campaign.
It seems that the Council’s decision on the scheme has now been postponed until June – so the campaigners aim to get out locally in the meantime to promote awareness about the scheme, research it and its likely impact, gather petitions, hold further public meetings, and challenge local representatives to ditch the scheme.
I recognise local people have concerns and that they should be listened too but I cannot agree on some of the concerns. The scheme would be at the side of the M621 so I don’t agree it will cause more pollution, noise or light as they are already there. I’m not sure about traffic congestion as removing cars from the road should surely reduce it and I don’t believe there will be roads leading to the nearby houses. As for the other park and rides how would someone get from the M1 to Elland Road without adding to the congestion ?
We need park and rides where they are needed and that’s at this junction.
Agreed,their logic and reasoning behind their objection doesn’t stand up.
As for being disrespectful to a cemetery I’d say the wanton vandalism perpetrated by local youths is far more disrespectful.
Where can you see the proposed amendments to Low Road and Hunslet Road? Searched online and can not find any details.
Hi James. They had pretty detailed plans etc at the consultation event, but maybe haven’t uploaded them onto that webpage. Want to try emailing Highways@leeds.gov.uk to ask? If you don’t get anyway, come back to me. Yours, Ed
Thanks Ed, unfortunately we could not attend. Have e-mailed Highways.